This week, reflect on how perfectionism or feelings of inadequacy may be holding you back. Ask God to reveal the depths of His perfect love and how it can drive out those fears.

Like Martha, we often get caught up in what we’re trying to do for the Lord that we sometimes forget to just stop and spend time with Him. Jesus pointed Martha to care for her soul, which was the better portion to her many tasks of service. Matthew Henry comments that “Worldly business is a snare to us when it hinders us from serving God and getting good to our souls.”

We all have seasons, but my point here is that we cannot compare the season we’re experiencing to the season of another believer. It never seems fair to look sideways at your prospering neighbor while you feel like you’re neck deep in muck. Focus on where you are and no matter whether you face a tough season or plentiful one, give thanks.