Jesus' Recipe to Cure Worry

My first thought is that Jesus isn’t being very fair to Martha. Jesus is a guest in the home of two sisters, Mary and Martha. While Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, Martha is busy doing all the work. For goodness sake, somebody needs to serve the food and refresh the drinks, especially when that guest is Jesus! Martha is running around like a chicken without a head worried about a thousand little details. In her frustration she blurts out, “Jesus, tell her to help me.”

Much to my chagrin Jesus tells Martha that Mary has “chosen the better part.” I think it’s important to note that Jesus didn’t say that Martha was wrong and Mary was right – only that Mary has chosen the better part -- being close to him.

I’ve been in Martha’s shoes more times than I can count. I confess! I want to be Martha Stewart making everything perfect, beautiful, and delicious. When guests are coming over I cook up a storm always afraid I’m not going to have enough; then I have a week’s worth of leftovers. It’s important to me to have the food served piping hot which makes those 20 minutes right before the dinner is ready absolutely frantic. I stay vigilant during the meal making sure to offer second helpings, keep the bread basket full, and open another bottle of wine. I strategize about the right time to clear the dishes and serve the coffee – regular or decaf – Americano or espresso – don’t forget about the tea drinkers. Thankfully, everybody’s having a great time, talking, laughing, and eating. But I have not chosen the better part – being close to my guests.

Jesus’ words to Martha were “… you are anxious and upset about many things.” What about you, do you worry? Do you worry about your health, your children, your job, your finances, and what people think of you? Too often my past worries me; my present fills me with doubts, and my future fills me with uncertainty? I am a huge fan of TV series, The Walking Dead. I preface all my responses with, “If the Apocalypse doesn’t happen – then we can …..” The crazy thing is that I mean it! If a week passes without a problem, then I start getting anxious wondering when the next shoe is going to drop.

Anxiety and worry are some of the most destructive and pernicious forces we can face. It grips us and holds us captive. How many times do I think that something awful is going to happen, and when the time comes, all is well? I’m worn out and exhausted from all the worrying. In my insanity, I persuade myself that it was actually my worrying that prevented the incident. In a warped sense, I become “god” in the situation. I’m relying on my own machinations rather than God’s promises. Anxiety and worry rob me from experiencing God’s peace in the present moment.

There are about 50 Scripture verses on worry. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” How can we not be slaves to worry? St. Paul tells us that whatever we’re worried about; we should tell God about it. Stop trying to control it or figure it out on our own. Then follow it with a prayer of thanks for God’s blessings in our life. Think about people we love, comforts of home, and simple pleasures. I came across a blog about 50 Little Things That Make Life Happy – singing, perfectly popped bag of popcorn, a bath, finding money in your pocket you forgot about, having just enough milk for a bowl of cereal, taking the first sip of your favorite drink, whenever Peanuts characters dance….. What little things make you happy?

With a heart of gratitude, God makes us a wonderful promise – the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your heart and mind. (Phil 4:7) Our worries, anxieties, and fears are replaced with tranquility. Nothing in the past, nothing in the future, nothing in the present – no financial burden, family crisis, job sickness, or illness – nothing in this world can separate us from the love of God.

What is worrying you today? As you journey through the Lenten desert, ask Jesus for help to surrender whatever is causing anxiety. Instead of trying to be God ourselves, let God be God and completely trust in Jesus.

“Jesus, I trust in You.”

Journal with Jesus

Jesus says, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” What about you? What are you anxious and worried about? What prevents you from choosing the better part?

In what circumstances and events of my life have I felt taken care of by God?