🌿 Choosing the Better Part

A Devotional Inspired by Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver

📖 Scripture

“But one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”— Luke 10:42 (ESV)

📚 Devotional Thought

I first encountered Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World as a PDF link dropped into a WhatsApp group I’m part of. I didn’t download it. Life was busy, as usual, and I scrolled right past it.

But some months later, while browsing the shelves of Charisma Bookstore, there it was again — this time in print. The cover pulled me in. I flipped it over, read the summary, and something inside me stirred. I didn’t hesitate. I bought the book and went home with more than pages — I went home with a personal invitation to slow down and sit at Jesus’ feet.

Joanna Weaver’s words spoke directly to my hurried heart. In a world that constantly rewards doing, she reminded me of the beauty of simply being. Mary of Bethany chose stillness, and Jesus called it the better part.

He didn’t criticize Martha’s service; He simply revealed that anxious striving isn’t the same as spiritual devotion. And so began my journey of choosing Mary’s posture — a heart that listens, lingers, and learns.

It’s not about abandoning responsibilities. It’s about anchoring our hearts in the One we serve. Because intimacy with Jesus isn’t found in how much we do for Him, but in how often we’re with Him.

💡 Reflection Question

Is my heart more like Martha’s — busy, anxious, and distracted — or like Mary’s — still, attentive, and at peace?

🙏 Prayer

Lord, I don’t want to miss the moments You invite me to sit with You. Help me silence the noise, lay down the rush, and choose what truly matters — Your presence. Teach me how to serve from a heart of stillness, not stress. Let me find joy, not just in doing for You, but in being with You. Amen.

🪴

Whether it’s five minutes in the morning or a whispered prayer while washing dishes, we can all choose the better part — again and again.

‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚. 𝓐𝓷𝓷𝓲𝓮  ‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚.

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A few things to consider:

• Read and enjoy my book review here.

• You might love these songs as you do the devotional:

• The more I seek you by Kari Jobe

• Nothing else by Cody Carnes