"You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed" (Luke 10:42).

Here in the United States we are in the midst of a very heated and contentious political race, something we endure every four years when a president is elected.  The race underscores the deep ideological divisions in our country.  There is much to be distressed about; the troubled economy, the increasing abandonment of Biblical values, the irreverent scorn toward people of Biblical faith and many other issues.

I will admit that I have a really hard time appropriating the truth in today's daily encouragement. Last night I slept poorly and was "worried and upset by many things" because I failed to really focus on the one thing needed.  (Instead I was reading up on the news and current events and got myself worked up.)  I am sure there are a number of readers who identify with me.

All through life we continue to overcome life's struggles and in my case an ongoing issue is keeping my focus on the Lord.  One of the very first Scriptures I committed to memory while still in High School was Isaiah 26:3; "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee."

It's interesting to me the times we find the phrase "one thing" in the Bible. The Psalmist testified, "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after!"  (Psalm 27:4).  "One thing you lack," said Jesus to the self-righteous, rich, young ruler (Mark 10:21).  "One thing I know!" exclaimed the man who had received his sight (John 9:25).  "But one thing I do…" Paul stated to the Philippians (3:13).  And Peter wrote: "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day" (2 Peter 3:8). 

Today I find perspective from the words of our Lord recorded in Luke 10:42; "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed."  Many of our readers recognize this familiar portion of Scripture where Jesus uttered these words to one person, Martha, in a specific circumstance.  But I feel they have a timeless value when applied to any situation that worries or upsets us.  I feel it's a message that expresses the heart of God to all His children. 

Consider the "many things" that worry and upset us.  I already mentioned some above that we all may share.  Probably you too can identify some specifics in your own life today.  It might be a child, your marriage, the state of our nation, world conditions and terrorism, something at your workplace, a medical problem.  And the list goes on and on. 

"But only one thing is needed."  I think we all know what that is.  As we seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness He will take care of [you fill in the blank] which otherwise robs us of the wonderful peace He has to give. God loves us and wants our complete devotion.  Let's give it to Him!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, the perfect peace that You grant to the believer comes when our hearts and minds are one with Yours.  Though we cannot avoid the strife around us we can experience wonderful peace in our hearts as we meditate upon Your Holy Word which is the one thing You ask of us.  Full devotion to You makes our spirit steady, trusting, and secure.  You are the unchangeable God in a changeable society, so we hold onto Your steady all powerful Hand in the ups and downs of life.  In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.

Here's the context that includes the verse I used today for the daily text. "As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:38-42).

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"Knowing You"