April 3, 2023
Are You Making Room for God?
Mary Southerland
Today's Truth
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him (Luke 10:38 NIV).
Friend to Friend
One summer, our family went to Pennsylvania, where we visited Amish country. Amish people have always fascinated me, and I enjoy every minute spent in their beautiful and carefully ordered world.
As our visit ended, I wanted to buy a souvenir to remind me of the peaceful days we had spent there, but everything I picked up was too expensive. But, being a committed shopper, I did not let that stop me.
We traveled up and down each community's small, hidden back roads, looking for the Amish products known only to a few and to those relentless shoppers who were willing to persevere. I was beginning to lose hope when I spotted the small, white sign posted on the fence of a quaint and perfect house. "Amish Crafts," it said. This was it!
As we climbed out of the car, a sense of peace settled around us like an old familiar blanket. Our voices dropped to a whisper as we tiptoed up the narrow stone path and gently opened the screen door. When we stepped onto the porch filled with beautiful Amish crafts, a woman came out of the house, welcomed us with a beautiful smile, and introduced herself as Mary.
Mary invited us to browse and let her know if we needed help. I must admit that I was almost rude in my pathetic attempts to glimpse her home through the porch windows. But, reading my mind, she graciously offered, "Would you like to come in and look around?" I thought she'd never ask!
Mary's home revealed a world very different from mine and an uncommonly simplistic lifestyle I desperately longed to experience. The house was sparsely furnished with only the necessities, but Mary described her life and daily routine with words like "calm, uncomplicated, peaceful, and serene." When I asked why she had chosen such a lifestyle, she sweetly responded with words of wisdom I will never forget, "I have discovered that when my life and my heart get too crowded, there is not enough room for God."
An unbalanced life is too crowded for God. It is easy to relegate our spirituality to religious activity when He only wants to spend time with us. When the tears fall, He wants to wipe them away, collecting each one so He can pour them back into our lives as a refreshing rain of restoration. God longs for us to run into His arms forever, sharing every hurt and rejoicing in every victory. The Father yearns to wrap His strong arms around us, bringing the peace and balance we so desperately need.
Indeed, there are times when the important is also urgent – but we must learn to discern between the two. We wrongly conclude that a busy life is automatically productive and think that a full schedule will produce a full heart.
I have great news! He loves who you are more than He loves what you do. Seek Him today. Make room for Him. He is waiting.
Let's Pray
Father, I am too busy, and sometimes I feel like my life is spinning out of control. I'm tired of the imbalance I see in the way I live. Help me establish priorities that please You and reflect Your plan for me. I commit to spending time with You daily, seeking Your wisdom and direction. I love You, Lord. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Now It's Your Turn
Are you ready to evaluate your life according to God's priorities? First, set aside time today to spend with Him. Then, grab your journal and record His truths about balancing your life.
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© 2023 by Mary Southerland. All rights reserved.
Originally published Monday, 03 April 2023.
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