BY JESSICA LANDMON
So often we think that we need to do more to earn God’s love – more Bible studies, more Bible chapters read each day, more prayer groups, more volunteer time, more productivity. If we just do more, He will love us more, right? Not at all!
Ladies, we need to walk away from the mentality of always doing, and sometimes, just be. Be still in His presence. Be sensitive to His prompting and His nudges. Be aware of the atmosphere that you are in. Be lost in the moment as you spend sweet time alone with Jesus.
So why is it that we think the only way to go deeper with Jesus is by doing more? Scripture says, “Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you,” not do more for Him, and He will draw near to you. I talk to so many women who have exhausted themselves trying do all the “right” things so that they can have a deeper relationship with the Lord. But in this pursuit, they have missed the very thing that He so desires to have with us – intimacy!
Please don’t misunderstand, these efforts are all great things and very much necessary, but they should never replace time at the feet of Jesus. We see this play out in the account of two sisters, Mary and Martha. Martha was so busy doing things for Jesus that she missed out on the moments with Him. Mary chose what was better, sat at His feet, and basked in His presence.
“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
Doing work for the Kingdom of God is noble and honorable. However, if you pour yourself out without allowing the Lord to refresh and rejuvenate your spirit, you will be ineffective and lose your vision. Stop doing and be.
Attending Bible studies and church events are beneficial for your Christian walk. But attending to the point of burnout will leave you exhausted and resentful. Stop doing and be.
Daily prayer time is essential, but doing all the talking and never allowing the Lord to respond will often leave you feeling lonely and distant from Him. Stop doing and be.
Reading the Bible is crucial for your spiritual development. The Word of God is alive and active, but reading for quantity not quality will only leave you empty and unsatisfied. Take time to meditate on the Word, and allow it to transform your mind and spirit. Stop doing and be.
God desires for you to know Him in a personal way. He wants to confide in you, reveal His heart, share secrets of the Kingdom, and impart revelation. God wants a relationship! Stop doing and just be.