Stepping Stones: Learn to Linger

Transformational Thought

When we are so busy that we neglect our time of lingering with God, we are too busy. When our responsibilities are the heaviest, that’s when we need Him the most.

We can learn from Jesus. During the time He walked on earth, His responsibility was greater than any of us could imagine, and He knew His time was extremely limited. But He never let all the "doing" He had to get to interfere with His time with His Father. As we can see in today's scripture, He left the crowds…and even the disciples…to spend time alone with Our Father. He lingered in prayer.

When we think we are too busy to spend quality time with God…praying and meditating on His Word…we are fooling ourselves. It is only when we linger with the Father that everything else in our life can actually fall into place. It is only when we spend time with Him that we can overcome our hurry sickness we discussed yesterday.

How busy are you? Do you have days when you feel you can barely "keep your head above water"? How has the busyness affected your personal relationship with God? Have you put your time with Him on the back burner…something to take care of when you get a chance? Or are you neglecting that quiet time altogether?

During one of Jesus' visits to the home of Mary and Martha, Mary lingered at the feet of Jesus while Martha worked frantically in the kitchen, trying to prepare a meal that was just right. She complained to Jesus that Mary wasn't helping her and urged Him to send Mary into the kitchen to help. Here is how Jesus responded:

But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42 NLT

Martha was letting the details of doing everything just right control her. Mary had learned to linger at the feet of Jesus.

Today, learn to with God! Think about what Jesus did for you and why. What can your response be to His love and sacrifice for you? Don’t get so caught up with the minutiae of the world and your need for satisfaction now. Spend time listening to Him.

Prayer
Father, I know I've been neglecting my quiet time with you. I realize now that the more I have neglected You, the more I've let the busy details of everyday living control me. My priorities have been out of order, and I have become more and more frustrated. Please forgive me and help me learn to linger before You. I pray this and all prayers in the name of Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.
Matthew 14:23