The Needful Thing
Penny LeClair
We live in a busy world, we have work, business, running from one function to another, exercise classes, time with the kids, extended family, friends, church and then of course taking care of our homes. Being a single mom, the responsibility lies all on my shoulders and sometimes it gets to be too much, and my shoulders literally feel like the world is upon them. I get so overwhelmed and become so tired that I can’t even focus, I get agitated, angry and have myself a little pitty party…. And when I get like that, not only mentally and emotionally do I get affected, but it affects my physical body. Do you ever get like that or feel like that?
God brought to my remembrance the story of Jesus visiting Martha and her sister Mary. If you don’t know this story it goes like this, now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she helps me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:38-42
Can you relate to this story? Do you see yourself always doing, doing, doing? Jesus said that there was only one thing that was needful and Mary chose the good part. Do you choose the good part and do the needful thing, or do you nag, complain and overwhelm yourself with your daily life routines and sometimes not so routines that pop up from time to time like Martha did? In those times of being overwhelmed, when you are feeling like you are doing it all and everyone else seems to breeze through life, there is a choice to be made, you can either stay in the place of frustration or you can choose the good part like Mary did and sit at the feet of Jesus, being with Him, hearing His word, letting Him minister to your troubled soul.
It is easy to become like Martha and get so caught up in our "stuff" that we dont even recognize what we need… we believe the deception of thinking we need to do more, work more, spend more time, serve more etc….but Jesus is saying here, that Martha was troubled by many things, and Mary's choice was the best part and would not be taken away from her.
I woke up this past Tuesday feeling overwhelmed from all the responsibilities of "my" world, my job, my business, my blog, my children etc and my back was sore I could hardly move. I was troubled, but this time instead of staying troubled I chose the best part and I anointed myself with Sacred Frankincense which is an anti-anxiety essential oil and it helps slow and deepen breathing, bringing a calmness to the body. Frankincense can also help suppress anger, fear and anxiety. I anointed my back with Valor, and peppermint for the inflammation and pain and I sat at the feet of Jesus. I gave him all my cares and rested Jeremiah 29:13. I let His word refresh me, revive me and restore me. Spending time with Jesus, is a 100% guarantee to remove all doubts and fears, eliminate any anxiety and depression, and will fill your heart with Peace, John 14:27 Hope Jeremiah 29:11 and Joy which will give you strength Nehemiah 8:10 .
The Word of God is life to us John 6:63 and Psalm 107:20 says it heals. By the time the day was over my whole attitude, my out look and sore back were back to normal. Thank God for the word of God to teach us about doing the needful thing for mental, emotional and physical health.
So I say, stop being troubled, and anoint yourself with Scared Frankincense and set yourself apart for some time with Jesus (for more info on anointing with essential oils refer to http://www.pennyleclair.com/anointing-2 ) and do the needful thing and sit at His feet, it will always put everything back in the RIGHT perspective. You will feel revived, you feel renewed, you will be restored, and you will know that you can take on the day and all that God has for you. HE IS WHAT YOU NEED!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Awesome to read how you set yourself apart to sit at the feet of Jesus. I didn’t know there was such a big difference in Frankincense and Scared Frankincense oil. Thanks you for teaching us how to anoint ourselves with these oils…I love Frankincense oil by the way!!
I can relate to Martha and Mary’s story. I’m beginning to use oils to anoint myself and it really helps. Those versus you quoted Penny will come in handy for me. Thanks.
Great post! I have recently learned the benefits of keeping the Sabbath holy… as a full rest day ~ no work, no cleaning, just rest. I believe we are called to rest one day a week so our “troubles,” “concerns,” and everything in our “world” will not get the best of us because we have spent that time soaking in Him. What value! Nothing else like it on the planet!!
I can so relate to this as someone who is very much involved with the music ministry at my church. With all my duties there ADDED to my own life, job, business and yes, coming up with two posts a week, it can all get to the place where you’re just “working”. Those of us who work in music ministry often battle against allowing our ministry and service to become just another “job” that we have to do.
I for one need to spend more time in God’s word, and I thank you so much for this word. It was definitely for me.