How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them. Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails. [Psalm 111:2-3 (NLT)]
While walking in the Botanical Gardens, I left my husband on a bench by the lake while I went back to get a few more photos of the plumeria. After getting my last shot, I returned to find him gazing out at the water. When I disturbed his reverie with a touch on the shoulder, he looked up and said, “I was just enjoying Him!” I knew exactly who he meant.
There are plenty of things Scripture tells us to do with God. We are to love, hear, follow, worship, praise, and obey Him. We’re also told to put our hope in Him, rest in Him, have faith in Him, glorify Him, and honor Him with our lives. We are to cast our cares on Him and seek, work for, and fear the Lord. But, we also should delight in Him—not just delight in his word, works, love, and gifts—but delight in His very presence!
That morning, my husband was delighting in God and relishing quiet time in His company. He was enjoying God’s presence the way two old friends might—by sitting together silently and savoring their companionship. My husband had focused on God while I was focusing so intently on the flowers that I missed a moment to delight in the One who made those blossoms. Even though I got some photos for this blog, my husband’s time was better spent than mine and I was reminded of Martha and Mary.
When Jesus visited, Martha was anxious about having such an honored guest and His disciples in her home. Busy with the meal preparation and responsibilities of serving so many people, she expected her sister Mary to help. Mary, however, was sitting at the Lord’s feet and listening to Him teach. When Martha complained to Jesus, He told her that only one thing was necessary and that Mary had chosen it.
The Greek word translated as “chosen” was eklégomai, meaning to make a deliberate choice with a planned outcome. Mary didn’t end up at Jesus’ feet on a whim or because she was lazy; she purposefully chose to break social norms so she could do the “one necessary thing.” The Greek word translated as “necessary” was chreia, meaning the things that are required for sustenance on a journey or absolutely necessary for life. Mary made a deliberate choice to sit at the Lord’s feet so that she would have the one thing required on life’s journey. Jesus, however, never identified that one necessary thing. Is it hearing His word, listening to His voice, and learning at His feet? Is it seeking the Kingdom of God? Is it being occupied with Jesus rather than being occupied for Him? Is it as simple as delighting in His presence?
God generously gave us the capacity to enjoy and delight in Him as well as the life He’s given us. Let’s not get so caught up in the business of the day that we miss doing just that. When Mary sat at the Lord’s feet, she deliberately chose the better over the good and the essential over what seemed important at the time. This week, let’s choose to do the same thing. Let us be still, know that He is God, and delight in His presence!
Being wrapped up in God’s work can easily become a shabby substitute for being wrapped up in His presence. [Mary Southerland]
Devotions of the Heart 