Today’s Truth

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him (Luke 10:38 NIV).

 

 

Friend to Friend

One summer, our family went to Pennsylvania, where we visited Amish country. Amish people have always fascinated me, and I enjoy every minute spent in their beautiful and carefully ordered world.

As our visit ended, I wanted to buy a souvenir to remind me of the peaceful days we had spent there, but everything I picked up was too expensive. But, being a committed shopper, I did not let that stop me. 

We traveled up and down each community’s small, hidden back roads, looking for the Amish products known only to a few and to those relentless shoppers who were willing to persevere. I was beginning to lose hope when I spotted the small, white sign posted on the fence of a quaint and perfect house. “Amish Crafts,” it said. This was it! 

As we climbed out of the car, a sense of peace settled around us like an old familiar blanket. Our voices dropped to a whisper as we tiptoed up the narrow stone path and gently opened the screen door. When we stepped onto the porch filled with beautiful Amish crafts, a woman came out of the house, welcomed us with a beautiful smile, and introduced herself as Mary. 

Mary invited us to browse and let her know if we needed help. I must admit that I was almost rude in my pathetic attempts to glimpse her home through the porch windows. But, reading my mind, she graciously offered, “Would you like to come in and look around?” I thought she’d never ask!      

Mary’s home revealed a world very different from mine and an uncommonly simplistic lifestyle I desperately longed to experience. The house was sparsely furnished with only the necessities, but Mary described her life and daily routine with words like “calm, uncomplicated, peaceful, and serene.” When I asked why she had chosen such a lifestyle, she sweetly responded with words of wisdom I will never forget, “I have discovered that when my life and my heart get too crowded, there is not enough room for God.” 

An unbalanced life is too crowded for God. It is easy to relegate our spirituality to religious activity when He only wants to spend time with us. When the tears fall, He wants to wipe them away, collecting each one so He can pour them back into our lives as a refreshing rain of restoration. God longs for us to run into His arms forever, sharing every hurt and rejoicing in every victory. The Father yearns to wrap His strong arms around us, bringing the peace and balance we so desperately need. 

Indeed, there are times when the important is also urgent – but we must learn to discern between the two. We wrongly conclude that a busy life is automatically productive and think that a full schedule will produce a full heart. 

I have great news! He loves who you are more than He loves what you do. Seek Him today. Make room for Him. He is waiting.

 

Let’s Pray

Father, I am too busy, and sometimes I feel like my life is spinning out of control. I’m tired of the imbalance I see in the way I live. Help me establish priorities that please You and reflect Your plan for me. I commit to spending time with You daily, seeking Your wisdom and direction. I love You, Lord.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

Now It’s Your Turn

Are you ready to evaluate your life according to God’s priorities? First, set aside time today to spend with Him. Then, grab your journal and record His truths about balancing your life. 

 

More from the Girlfriends

A balanced life is built on trust. We say we are willing to trust God. But are we – really? Check out Mary’s 10-Day Trust Adventure for ways to build trust in God.

 

 

 

© 2023 by Mary Southerland. All rights reserved. 

4 Responses to “Are You Making Room for God?”

  1. Sheila says:

    Morning Mary
    This is so me. The minute my feet him the floor I am already on what I need to do during the day. I always try first thing to write in prayer journal, read Girlfriends in God and read in my bible . I do feel as though everything including myself is spinning out of control. God please help me to slow down and change some things.
    Thank you guys for all the encouragement.
    Blessings today to all

  2. Carol says:

    Good Morning Ladies!
    Mary, your devotional and Sheila, your response; couldn’t have said it any better!
    My team leaders at church have noticed that “spinning out of control” is kind of the pattern for a lot of us right now?
    Asking God to whisper above the confusion is what I looking and listening for.

  3. Mardiece says:

    What a beautiful message filled with so much truth. Thank you for your faithfulness, Mary. Your posts are always so encouraging. Be blessed.

  4. Mary says:

    Good morning, everyone,

    Thank you, Mary, for your awesome words. I receive GFIG devotions in my daily office email so I never have to miss one. I decided to take today off work to celebrate my birthday, stop rushing as I do every day during work, and going to the beach. I want to sit there and quietly observe God’s work with the water, sky, and the serenity I feel. I think everyone will agree this is a calming place to go. The waters rush against the beach, watching all the birds, and feeling the sand on our feet; truly letting go of the stresses of daily chaos. Alone with God and the wonders he has given us.
    Have a blessed day.

"We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well…" 1 Thessalonians 2:8