Day 19: The Distracted Heart

Scripture Focus: Psalm 34

“Martha was distracted with much serving.” —Luke 10:40, ESV

“When you and I sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to His Word and then sit at His feet and lavish our worship and love upon Him, there will be an impact. . . . True worship and devotion will make our lives fragrant and will perfume the environment around us. Our homes, our churches, even our places of work will bear the sweet scent of our devotion. Most importantly, the Lord Jesus will be pleased. And ultimately that is all that really matters.”
— Nancy Leigh DeMoss

How often, like Martha, are we tempted to place our hands on our hips, wagging an accusing finger in Christ’s face while verbally assaulting Him with our orders? Perhaps we’re not even aware of times when we’ve done this. It is easy to become so preoccupied with activity (even ministry activity) that we lose sight of what is most important. When we are so busy that we neglect to sit at our Master’s feet, we have developed a distracted heart.

Because women generally multitask easily, we may be more prone to functioning spiritually with a distracted heart, whizzing through our quiet-time exercises without ever experiencing God’s presence or even remembering what we’ve just read or who we’ve prayed for.

Have you ever found yourself running to the next ministry opportunity or Bible study while spewing out impatient or unkind words to those who impede your progress along the way? What about becoming so busy preparing a meal to “minister hospitality” to friends that you injure your family with your critical or demanding spirit? All of these can be the effects of a distracted heart.

There is nothing—nothing—more important than spending time each day at the Master’s feet. Without the intimacy that this intentional devotion provides, our hearts will grow weary, we will spend our days without clear direction, and ultimately our hearts will become dry and barren.

Take Time to Reflect

Sit at your Master’s feet today and use Psalm 34 as a prayer of worship and adoration. Don’t be in a hurry! Where is your heart right now? Although you may faithfully be working through this heart preparation guide, you can be guilty of functioning with a distracted heart and “checking the box,” using this exercise as just another spiritual “duty.” Stop and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the true condition and needs of your heart.

True Woman Wyoming Prayer Focus

Pray for the women who are speaking at the conference as they prepare messages that will impact women and aid them in fulfilling Biblical womanhood. Pray for the healing and restoration of broken relationships that will be represented at the conference. Pray that women in difficult situations and circumstances will be sustained and encouraged by His Word and His grace.