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Finding Rest at Jesus' Feet in a Busy World
The kitchen is messy. Emails are waiting. The kids need attention. The phone pings with another message. The list goes on, and somehow, no matter how much you check off, it feels like there’s always more. Women today carry so many roles—caregivers, professionals, friends, daughters, leaders, encouragers—and the pressure to juggle it all is immense.
It’s easy to feel like Martha. Overwhelmed. Responsible. Pulled in different directions. And if we’re honest, sometimes even frustrated when others don’t seem to be carrying the same weight.
But then we read about Mary.
Sitting. Listening. Fully present at Jesus’ feet. And we hear Jesus’ gentle words: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)
At first, it almost feels unfair. Am I the only one who finds this hard to read? Wasn’t Martha just trying to serve Jesus? Wasn’t she doing something good?
But maybe the story isn’t about rebuking Martha’s work. Maybe it’s about recognising that sometimes, we are given a sacred invitation—to pause, to listen, to be with Jesus. And the best thing we can do is say yes.
The Struggle to Slow Down
In today’s world, choosing stillness feels counterintuitive. Productivity is praised, and busyness is often mistaken for worth. We live in a culture that expects us to be available, efficient, and always “on.” But Jesus calls us into a different rhythm. Not one that neglects responsibilities, but one that honours presence—both His and that of the people He’s placed in our lives.
Mary understood something Martha hadn’t yet grasped: there are moments when everything else can wait. There are times when the best choice isn’t doing more, but drawing near.
How This Corresponds with Jesus’ Other Teachings
“Come to Me, all you who are weary…” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Jesus calls us to rest in Him, not just physically but spiritually. Like Mary, choosing to sit at His feet means trusting that His presence is more essential than endless striving.
“Do not worry about your life…” (Matthew 6:25-34)
Martha’s anxiety over serving mirrors our modern anxiety about responsibilities. Jesus teaches that seeking God’s kingdom first—like Mary did—brings the peace we strive for in other ways.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)
The wise virgins were prepared with oil, just as Mary was spiritually prepared by sitting at Jesus’ feet. Readiness for Christ is not about busyness but about intimacy with Him.
“Man shall not live by bread alone…” (Matthew 4:4)
Martha was preparing physical food, but Mary was feasting on the “bread” of Jesus’ words. This echoes His reminder that life is sustained by more than earthly provision.
The Example of Jesus Himself (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16)
Jesus often withdrew to be alone with the Father, prioritising spiritual nourishment over constant work. If even Jesus needed this, how much more do we?
Living This Out Today
It’s not that Martha was wrong—it’s that Mary saw what was most important at that moment. And maybe that’s what we need to recover today: not abandoning responsibility, but recognising when Jesus is calling us to simply be with Him. Today, this might look like:
Recognising sacred moments. Sometimes, we need to pause and acknowledge when God is inviting us to be still.
Prioritising presence over perfection. The world rewards performance, but Jesus values presence.
Embracing the countercultural rhythm of rest. In a society that glorifies busyness, choosing to be still with Jesus is radical and powerful.
Honouring the Presence of Jesus and Others
This doesn’t mean abandoning the work God has given us. There are meals to make, people to care for, and tasks to complete. But it does mean learning a new rhythm—one where we don’t just fit Jesus into the cracks of our overloaded schedules but prioritise His presence as life-giving and essential.
Instead of rushing through prayer, we pause and truly engage.
Instead of multitasking in conversations, we make space to listen deeply.
Instead of feeling guilty for resting, we embrace it as worship.
The world may still demand much from us, but we get to choose where our heart dwells. We get to say yes to the better thing.
Reflect & Recalibrate
Take a moment to reflect:
Do I often feel burdened and distracted like Martha? What weighs on my heart today?
When was the last time I sat in stillness before Jesus, not just to check off devotion time, but to truly be with Him?
What is one way I can intentionally create space for Jesus in my daily rhythm?
How can I honour His presence in the people around me?
An Invitation to Find Rest
If you long for a gentler, more peaceful way of living—a rhythm that doesn’t shun responsibilities but also doesn’t drown in them—I’d love to walk alongside you. Through one-on-one support, therapeutic journaling, and faith-based counselling, we can explore together what it means to trust God’s pace and find rest in Him.
You don’t have to carry it all alone.
If you’re ready to begin this journey, I invite you to explore my therapeutic services and see how we can cultivate peace together. Reach out today—I’d love to hear your story.
Because Jesus is still calling us to the better thing. And it is never too late to say yes.