“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” ~ Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)

A New Normal.

Life as we knew it is so far from normal. And as much as we want to get back to our normal routines and regain some control over our lives, it’s hard to believe how much has changed over a matter of weeks to a few months.

There has certainly been a shift in what is normal anymore and as things continue to change, life seems more out of our control.

We too need to make changes, whether small or significant. And we must start by asking ourselves the right questions.

What is really important?

What is essential?

What matters most?

Choose What is Better.

Jesus tells Martha, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better.”

While there are many things in life over which we have no control, we get to choose our thoughts.

We can focus on worrying about the uncertainties of the future or we can fix our thoughts on the “only one” that will not be taken from us.

Like Martha, it’s so easy for us to be distracted and consumed with worry and anxiety about the adversities we face.

But like Mary, no matter what the circumstances are, we can choose to sit in God’s presence and fix our thoughts on his truth.

Why Did You Doubt?

“When Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” ~ Matthew 14:29-31 (NKJV)

Peter began to sink when he took his gaze off Jesus, looked at the storm and became afraid.

When we take our eyes off Jesus and focus on the disasters, disappointments, uncertainties, and circumstances that are out of our control, we begin to sink into a downward spiral of despair and depression.

“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Jesus asked Peter. The truth is, we are like Peter. Quick to lose our trust when a pandemic rocks our world, changes our lives and we have no control of the future.

We invite doubt into our thoughts when devastated by a job loss.

Or concerned about a loved one who is ill.

Or disappointed by the death of a loved one.

Or blindsided by a bad report from the doctor.

Or disillusioned by a broken relationship.

Why Don’t You Trust Me?

When Jesus asks, “Why did you doubt?”, he is basically saying, why don’t you trust me?

I believe Jesus is saying to you and I, who are consumed by the circumstances we face and concerned about the future;

Why don’t you trust me to protect you from the storms of life?

Why don’t you trust me to provide for your needs?

Why don’t you trust me to guide you through the struggles you face?

Why don’t you trust me to heal you?

Why don’t you trust me to carry out all that I have promised you in my Word?

Interrupt the Downward Spiral

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

When you have no control over the future, the best thing you can do is trust the “only one” who does. So, take a deep breath and as you face the future;

Pray about it. Pour out your heart sincerely to God. Tell him everything you’re worried about. Ask him to reveal his truth and give you peace.

Gather the facts. Have a reality check. Are your concerns legitimate or are they based on what-ifs and worst-case scenarios that may never happen?

Control what you can control. Assuming the concern is legitimate, what can you do about it? Make a list of two or three steps you can take.

• Resist the urge to try to solve everything immediately.
• Quit worrying about things you can’t control

Worry less and trust more. Trust God with what you can’t control. Trust him to go before you and direct your path no matter what you face now or in the future.

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