Slow Down with Jesus
Busy weeks can crowd out what matters most. A family devotional on Psalm 46:10 and the story of Mary and Martha.
This week's verse
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
“Be still, and know that I am God!”
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Read together
Slow down with Jesus
School, practice, homework, work, church, chores, errands. Some weeks feel like we're running from one thing to the next without catching our breath.
In Luke 10, Jesus visited the home of two sisters, Mary and Martha. Martha rushed around getting everything ready. Mary sat at Jesus' feet and listened to Him. When Martha got frustrated, Jesus gently told her she was worried about many things, but Mary had chosen what mattered most: being with Him.
Being busy isn't bad. Martha was serving! But when we're always rushing, we can miss time with Jesus and with each other. God says, "Be still, and know that I am God." Being still means slowing down long enough to remember that God is in charge, so we don't have to do everything ourselves.
This week, look for little moments to be still with Jesus, even in the middle of a busy day.
Talk about it
Questions for your family
1
Are you more like Martha (busy and on the go) or Mary (slow and listening)? Why?
2
What's the busiest part of your week? Where could you find a few minutes to be still?
3
Parents: what's one thing your family could say no to, to make room for what matters most?
This week
Keep it going
Pray together
Thank God that He's in control. Ask Him to help your family know what to say yes to, and what to let go of, this week.
Be-still minute
Try one "be still" minute each day: phones down, eyes closed, quietly say Psalm 46:10 together. Can everyone say it by Sunday?
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked ESV are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
