Stressed About Details

When was the last time you helped prepare for a big event—Thanksgiving dinner, a wedding, or a house full of guests—and felt the pressure to make everything perfect? That’s Martha in Luke 10. And she isn’t throwing just any dinner party—the Messiah, the Savior of her people, is in her home. Plus, in her culture, hospitality wasn’t optional; it was sacred. No wonder she’s running around like crazy, stressed that her sister Mary sits on the floor… doing nothing.

When Martha complains to Jesus, his response is surprising: “Martha, Martha… you’re worried and upset about many things. Mary has chosen what’s better.” Jesus wasn’t shaming Martha or saying her work doesn’t matter. But, he was inviting her to something deeper—connection over performance.

Our world today glorifies hustle in a way that Martha and Mary could not have imagined in their day. We measure our worth by productivity. Even in church, we can feel like our value comes from what we do for Jesus rather than being with Jesus. But his whisper cuts through the noise: “Sit with Me.”

The truth is, the details will always demand attention. The dishes, deadlines, and to-do lists aren’t going anywhere. But you can choose to pause and be present with Jesus, even for a few minutes. You can even invite him into the dishes and deadlines.

What if, instead of trying to impress him with your busyness, you offered him your presence? Or better yet, what if you admit to him you can’t offer him anything and simply surrender your day into his hands by allowing him to lead you to what’s best?

Reflect: Where do you feel the pressure to perform for Jesus instead of simply being with Him? Schedule 10 minutes today just to sit with Jesus—no agenda, no checklist.

Pray: Jesus, help me slow down today and choose what’s best—life with you.