Just Breathe

Me

Breathe. Just Breathe. Its easy for life to feel absolutely crazy that it can be hard to remember what we had for breakfast.

Getting things done is good! But sometimes getting the chance to take a breathe is what we need most.

God

One of the best stories to highlight our need to just breathe and be in the moment is found in Luke 10.

Luke 10:38–42 ESV

38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

This story highlights two types of people. The Doers and the Be-ers.

Both kinds of people are important. Both are good.

But what this story is trying to tell us is that there is a time to be both.

We need Marthas and Marys.

If we only had Marys nothing would get done.

If we only had Marthas, the actions of the church would get done, but our worship services would need help.

Because this isn’t a story about working too hard, or not resting enough.

This is a story about worship.

Luke 10:39–40 ESV

39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.”

There is a time to work and there is a time to dwell.

Most of the time its work time. But when Jesus comes to visit, its time to dwell. Mary was excited that Jesus was there and she couldn’t help herself but listen to His words.

Normally, Martha would be right, Mary should come and help her. But when Jesus is around, the best thing, the only thing is to listen.

When its worship time, we can just breathe, take a moment and listen to the master.

This is why Jesus responds in such a way.

Luke 10:41–42 ESV

41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Translation: You misunderstand. You are stressed and worried about too many things.

Do we have enough seats?

Is anyone thirsty?

Do we have enough food?

Who is watching the kids?

Martha, one thing is necessary. Sending time with Jesus.

Why?

Because the more time we spend with Jesus, the better we are able to serve.

There is a great need to not only spend time with God, but to understand what it means to be still.

Psalm 46:6–10 ESV

6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. 10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

Be still and Know that I am God.

Be still and listen.

Be still and know that God is able.

Be still and know that God is in control.

Be still and know that the world may be in chaos, but God is your fortress.

You

When you are overcome with stress and just need to breathe, spend time with Jesus.

We

If God’s people sent more time with Jesus, imagine the good we could do in our community. If we learned how to care for others by paying attention to the care and concern God gave us how might we care greater?

Mark 6:31 ESV

31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.