“Only one thing is needed…”
That was Jesus’ advice to Martha in Luke 10:42, and it remains true for all of us today. For Jesus is the “one thing” that all of us need.
But the principle of “one thing” can also have smaller, practical implications that can help us when life feels overwhelming.
As we discovered in the “Three Rocks and a Wagon” story I shared several months ago, God doesn’t want us to go through life burdened and weighed down.
Instead, we are to cast our cares on Jesus (1 Peter 5:7). He is our Burden Bearer.
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Psalm 68:19
“One Thing” Living
Here are some ways to practice one-thing thinking when your wagon feels overloaded.
Invite Jesus to rule and reign. Each morning before you get out of bed, invite the Lord to come take the throne of your life, to be your “one thing.” Present your day to Him and ask Him for wisdom and guidance.
Ask God to reveal the next step. As you go through your day, keep asking the Lord, “What is the one thing I need to do next?” Don’t let the big picture overwhelm you. Just take the next step as He reveals it—wash one dish, make one phone call, put on your jogging clothes. Then take the next step…and the next.
Have faith that what needs to get done will get done. Since you have dedicated your day to the Lord, trust that He’ll show you the one thing or many things that must be done. Do what you can do in the time allotted. Then trust that what wasn’t accomplished was either unnecessary or is being taken care of by God.
Be open to the Spirit’s leading. You may find your day interrupted by divine appointments. Instead of resisting the interruptions, flow with the one thing as God brings it across your path. You’ll be amazed at the joy and freedom that comes from surrendering your agenda and cooperating with His.
From Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
PROVERBS 16:3
Other posts you might enjoy:
- Why Doing Less Could (Really) Be Doing More – (Three Rocks & a Wagon story)
- Being Led by God – Not by Need
- When God Asks You to Do Something You’ve Never Done Before
I’d love to hear from you…Which of these “one thing” principles do you need to apply today, and why?
“Ask God to reveal the next step”. I totally let things overwhlem me. There are so many things I want to get done each day and I often lose sight of the big picture. What is it that I need to be doing for the Lord. Thank you for this post Joanna. It was very helpful.
I get overwhelmed as well, Shannan! So glad the Holy Spirit is there to lead and guide us. Thanks so much for stopping by!
I loved this part in the book about the One Thing–it all boils down to just making the time to spend with Jesus throughout the day, especially in the morning! Starting out our day in quiet time with Him is the only way to start our day! If we don’t give God the first part of our day, it’s almost a sure thing the rest of our day is going to be missing something which will have a not so great impact on how we handle things life may throw at us!!
So agree, Vicki! It took me years to learn that meeting Jesus first thing in the morning meant I was more aware of His presence – and His help! – throughout the day.
Surrendering my agenda. That statement alone reminds me how much I do need to turn it over to God & commit to it. Pray about it.
Yup, the Lord brings that thought to mind a lot – especially when I let the busyness of life overwhelm me. Thanks for the great advice, Colleen – “turn it over God, commit, and pray about it!”
“Have faith that what needs to get done will get done. Since you have dedicated your day to the Lord, trust that He’ll show you the one thing or many things that must be done. Do what you can do in the time allotted. Then trust that what wasn’t accomplished was either unnecessary or is being taken care of by God.”
This is where i struggle. I pray daily that I will not lose focus on the Lord, and let the busyness of my day allow me to forget to take the time to turn to Him. I love this……. “Have faith that what needs to get done will get done, and trust that what isn’t accomplished is either unnecessary or is being taken care of by God!”
Thank you Joanna!
I’m with you, Rachelle! Choosing to believe rather than doubt seems to be some of the hardest work we do as Christians. Let’s keep each other in prayer towards that end!
I love the ease of these steps; wish I were more faithful!
Me, too, Naomi! I make it so very complicated some times. Help us, Lord!
Yes, I get overwhelmed sometimes too, then I feel paralyzed and not even able to do the next thing. But the Lord had been helping me. I pray and then just jump in and start. Some days I’m better with this than others. But I’m learning to hand my burdens to Jesus. I pray as I start my day and I pray at the end and a lot of little prayers in between.
I totally get the “paralyzed” part! That’s definitely something the Lord is helping me push past. Love how you’re handing over your burdens and praying throughout the day! Excellent!