There is no shortage of worry and torment in this troubled and restless world. Nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom, wars and rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. In the face of these things the Lord warned His own, “See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet” (Mt. 24:6). Although current events do not reach the intensity of what is described in the Book of Revelation, the Lord’s warning is nevertheless a good reminder for us too. For, if not careful, the child of God can be distracted and troubled by all these events, not to mention the many little worries that can easily creep in to disturb us in our daily life.

What, then, is the best way to keep our hearts, to keep watch, not only to avoid being troubled but to be found in peace, joy, and even contentment? The Spirit of God still sets before us the timeless example of Mary. She took time to sit at the feet of Jesus to listen to His word. Yes, took time—that precious resource that we so easily waste without even realizing it. And she listened—that necessary disposition. This is the good part that was not going to be taken away from Mary, and it is also the good part that will keep our hearts in Christ Jesus.

It is our prayer that these daily meditations may accompany you in such times of communion with the Lord, and that they might be useful in the hands of the Master to contribute to the edification we all need so much. While we know that as we await the soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ the turmoil of this world will only increase, the Lord gives us what our hearts need to remain at peace. And it is when we go to His feet that we receive it.