"Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful." - Luke 10:41-42 (KJV)
Jesus' gentle correction to busy Martha reveals a timeless truth: in all our activities, one thing remains needful—sitting at His feet, hearing His word. Modern Marthas face the same choice: serve frantically or sit intentionally. The busy life is not the blessed life unless it includes the one thing needful.
The Busy Trap
Our culture worships busyness. We wear exhaustion like a badge of honor and mistake activity for productivity. But Jesus calls us to a different rhythm:
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
The busier we get, the more we need His Word—not less.
Redefining "No Time"
When we say "I don't have time for Bible reading," what we really mean is:
- "I don't see it as essential"
- "I haven't made it a priority"
- "I don't know how to fit it in"
- "I'm afraid of adding one more demand"
- "I don't understand its value yet"
Truth: We all have the same 24 hours. The difference is how we steward them.
Micro-Moments with God
Busy people need micro-strategies:
2-Minute Mornings: One Psalm while coffee brews
Commute Communion: Audio Bible during travel
Lunch Break Learning: One Proverb with your sandwich
Waiting Room Worship: Use delays for devotional time
Bedtime Blessing: One verse to end the day
These moments accumulate into transformation.
The Power of Habit Stacking
Link Bible reading to existing habits:
- After I pour coffee, I read one verse
- Before I check emails, I check in with God
- When I start my car, I play audio Bible
- After I brush my teeth, I pray one minute
- Before I watch Netflix, I read one chapter
Mobile Ministry to Yourself
Your smartphone can become a portable sanctuary:
- Download offline Bible versions for any situation
- Use lock screen verses for instant inspiration
- Set prayer reminders disguised as encouraging notifications
- Create playlists of worship music for stressful moments
- Use voice recordings to capture prayer insights
Quality Over Quantity
Busy seasons call for intensive, not extensive, reading:
One Verse Deep: Better to understand one verse thoroughly than skim ten chapters
Psalm Prayers: Let David teach you to pray through his poetry
Proverbs Wisdom: One wise saying can guide an entire day
Gospel Glimpses: Short Jesus encounters pack transformative power
Epistle Encouragement: Paul's letters offer hope for weary hearts
The Martha and Mary Balance
Jesus didn't condemn serving—He corrected priorities. Healthy busy people need both:
Mary Moments: Sitting at Jesus' feet, receiving
Martha Moments: Serving from overflow, giving
The key is Mary moments fueling Martha moments, not the reverse.
Seasons of Intensity
Some life seasons are legitimately overwhelming:
- New parent exhaustion
- Caregiving responsibilities
- Work crisis periods
- Health challenges
- Major life transitions
During these times, grace adjusts expectations. God understands real limitations and honors sincere effort over perfect performance.
Technology Boundaries for Busy People
Ironically, technology that helps us connect with God can also overwhelm us:
Choose One Primary App: Don't overwhelm yourself with options
Limit Features: Use what serves, ignore what distracts
Set Time Boundaries: Even good things need limits
Regular Tech Fasts: Sometimes disconnect to reconnect
Simplicity Over Sophistication: Simple tools often work best
The Fruit of Faithful Reading
Even small amounts of consistent Scripture reading produce:
Increased Peace: "Great peace have they which love thy law" (Psalm 119:165)
Better Decisions: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet" (Psalm 119:105)
Stronger Faith: "Faith cometh by hearing" (Romans 10:17)
Renewed Strength: "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength" (Isaiah 40:31)
Divine Perspective: Seeing through heaven's eyes
Making Room for the Sacred
Sometimes we must eliminate to create space for God:
- Audit your time: Where does it actually go?
- Eliminate time-wasters: What doesn't serve your purpose?
- Delegate when possible: You can't do everything
- Say no graciously: Protect your priority
- Simplify ruthlessly: Complexity crowds out communion
The Productivity Paradox
Counter-intuitively, time with God increases productivity:
• Clearer thinking from divine wisdom
• Better priorities from eternal perspective
• Reduced stress from spiritual peace
• Increased energy from spiritual strength
• Better relationships from God's love flowing through you
Reflection Questions
- What activities currently consume time that could be redirected to God's Word?
- How could you use technology to sneak God's Word into your busy day?
- What would need to change for you to prioritize the "one thing needful"?
Prayer
Lord, my schedule overwhelms me, but You are greater than my chaos. Help me find You in the midst of demands, not just at the end of exhaustion. Show me how to use technology wisely to stay connected to Your Word. Give me courage to say no to good things for the sake of the best thing—time with You. Transform my busy life into a blessed life. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Today's Challenge
Do a 24-hour audit: Every time you pick up your phone tomorrow, first read one verse on SpiriseBible or your Bible app. Don't change anything else—just add God's Word before checking messages, social media, or news. Count how many opportunities you have to read Scripture throughout a normal day. You'll be amazed at the hidden moments available for God.