A Distracted Heart

A Prayer for the Journey

O Christ, do not give me tasks equal to my powers,
but give me powers equal to my tasks,
for I want to be stretched by things too great for me.
I want to grow through the greatness of my tasks,
but I shall need your help for the growing.

E. Stanley Jones

This is a quote that is at the end of the book "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" by Joanna Weaver. I just finished reading it and it definitely challenged me in many ways! The quote sums up my life right now. I'm feeling like many things are too great for me and I would not survive if I didn't have the Holy Spirit's power! I think I could type all day about the things the Lord has been teaching me but I don't think I could even put half of it into words. I am definitely in a growing season and I am trying to figure out what my purpose is supposed to be. My primary focus is of course my 3 precious gifts from God as well as my amazing hubby. I am trying to figure out how God's design for my life can be used in how I teach and raise my kids, and how I can be a better wife. Most days I fail miserably!

I was trying to think of something that stood out to me from the book that describes how I am feeling. I can across the section on "A Distracted Heart". That is definitely me! The premise of the book is comparing Mary and Martha when Jesus came to visit their home. Mary was content to sit at the feet of her Savior, soak Him in, and give every part of herself to Him. Right down to the most expensive thing she owned, the perfume she poured over his feet.
Martha really wanted to sit there, her heart was there, but she was too compelled to get things done and serve her guests. While there is nothing wrong with that, sometimes Jesus calls us to just sit. Fix our eyes on Him and soak in all He wants to say to us. I am finding that I am more like Martha. I have so many things going through my mind that I can't stop long enough to sit and listen.

Here are a few things that hit me over the head as I was reading:
"When Jesus met Martha that day in Bethany, she was "distracted". That's where Satan usually begins. He knows if we're overly worried and bogged down by duties, chances are good our hearts will not hear the Savior's call to come."
Martha has so many responsibilities hanging over her head it was like all her expectations were dragging behind her like a ball and chain. Even though I might have the best motives, my heart can be pulled away from doing things "unto the Lord". I get blinded by the tasks and I don't see the most important needs right in front of me.

Discouragement always seeps into my heart as I am going through a season of intense distraction. I find myself doubting and questioning every thing I say, everything everyone else says, and everything I do. While the Lord has delivered me from the pit of depression, Satan likes to still throw it back and me and try and get me to go back to that pit.

The author gives these suggestions for getting out of discouragement.
1. Allow for rest stops.--Take a nap or go to bed earlier
2. Get a new point of view---Ask God to help you see his perspective on your situation.
3. Have patience---Even if things don't go as you planned, God is at work and if you seek him, His glory will be revealed.
4.Mingle---Get out of the house and visit some friends!
5. Set the timer---Set it for 10 min. and have a good cry. After that, make the decision to surrender the situation to the Lord and move on!

I know this will be a daily struggle for me, but there is hope! This verse is Deuteronomy gives me great encouragement!
"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."