Finding Peace Amidst Life's Chaos

Devotional

Day 1: Choosing Presence Over Busyness

In a world that constantly demands our attention and energy, it is easy to become like Martha—distracted by good things, overwhelmed by responsibilities, and missing the invitation to simply be with Jesus. The story of Mary and Martha reminds us that while serving and doing are important, the most vital thing is to sit at the feet of Jesus, to listen, and to be present with Him. When we prioritize time with Christ above all else, we find the peace and focus our souls truly need, even in the midst of chaos. [41:23]

Luke 10:38-42 (ESV)
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Reflection: What is one specific way you can intentionally set aside time this week to be present with Jesus, even if it means letting go of a good but lesser task?

Day 2: Guarding Your Heart in a Noisy World

Our emotions and desires can easily be swept away by the constant noise, busyness, and distractions of life. Scripture urges us to guard our hearts above all else, because what we allow in shapes the direction of our lives. In a culture that bombards us with information, entertainment, and anxiety, we are called to be vigilant about what we let influence our inner world, so that our lives are directed by God’s peace and wisdom rather than chaos. [42:00]

Proverbs 4:23 (ESV)
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

Reflection: What is one source of noise or distraction you can limit or remove today to better guard your heart and make space for God’s peace?

Day 3: The Invitation to Rest with Jesus

Even in seasons of fruitful ministry and good work, Jesus invites His followers to withdraw, rest, and be refreshed in His presence. The disciples, after a time of busy service, were called by Jesus to come away to a quiet place and rest. This invitation is for us too—amidst our obligations, stress, and constant activity, Jesus offers us rest for our souls, not by removing all busyness, but by being with Him in the midst of it. [01:12:53]

Mark 6:30-31 (ESV)
The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.

Reflection: Where in your schedule can you carve out a “quiet place” this week to accept Jesus’ invitation to rest with Him, even if just for a few minutes?

Day 4: Reorienting Life Around Being With God

It is not enough to simply add God into our already crowded lives; true transformation comes when we radically reorient our hearts, schedules, and priorities around being with Him. The early Desert Fathers and Mothers recognized that cultural Christianity without inner change is powerless, and they sought solitude to be transformed by God. We are called not to withdraw from the world, but to let our time with Jesus shape everything else we do, so that our actions flow from a deep relationship with Him. [01:11:59]

Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Reflection: What is one practical change you can make to your daily or weekly routine to ensure that being with God is the foundation, not just an add-on, in your life?

Day 5: Embracing the Peace That Comes from Jesus

In the midst of anxiety, stress, and the pressures of modern life, Jesus offers a peace that the world cannot give. This peace is not found in the absence of trouble, but in the presence of Christ as we walk with Him daily. When we turn our hearts toward Jesus and invite Him into every part of our lives, we experience a transformation from the inside out—a peace that sustains us through every season. [01:14:26]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: When you feel anxiety or stress rising today, how can you pause and invite Jesus to fill you with His peace in that very moment?

Sermon Summary

In a world that constantly pulls us in a million directions, it’s easy to find ourselves overwhelmed, distracted, and emotionally scattered. The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10 offers a powerful reminder of what it means to center our lives on Jesus, even amid chaos. Martha was busy with good things—serving, preparing, and hosting—yet she missed the most important thing: being present with Jesus. Mary, on the other hand, chose to sit at His feet, breaking cultural norms and expectations to prioritize relationship over activity.

Our culture rewards busyness and constant connectivity, but this comes at a cost. The endless stream of information, entertainment, and news—whether through our phones, social media, or cable news—bombards our minds and hearts, often leaving us anxious, restless, and emotionally depleted. Even the good things we do can become distractions if they keep us from the quiet, transformative presence of God. The wisdom of Proverbs 4:23, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life,” is more relevant than ever. Our emotions, desires, and attention shape the direction of our lives, and if we don’t intentionally guard them, the world will gladly take control.

Throughout history, followers of Jesus have recognized the need to withdraw from the noise to be with God. The Desert Fathers and Mothers, for example, sought solitude not to escape the world, but to be transformed from the inside out so they could return and impact their communities. We may not be called to literal deserts or monasteries, but we are invited to create inner spaces of quiet and communion with God in the midst of our busy lives. This isn’t about perfection or legalism; it’s about reorienting our hearts and schedules so that everything else flows from our relationship with Jesus.

The invitation from Jesus is simple yet profound: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6). He doesn’t promise to remove all chaos, but He offers a peace and rest that can only be found in His presence. Whether you’re burned out, anxious, or simply longing for more, the call is to turn toward Jesus, to slow down, and to make space for Him to transform you from the inside out.

Key Takeaways

1. The Danger of Distraction: Even good and necessary activities can become distractions if they keep us from the presence of Jesus. Like Martha, we can be so focused on serving and doing that we miss the invitation to simply be with Him. True spiritual growth begins not with more activity, but with intentional presence. [41:23]
2. The Power of Guarding Our Hearts: Proverbs urges us to guard our hearts because our emotions and desires set the trajectory of our lives. In a culture that constantly seeks our attention and emotional energy, we must be vigilant about what we allow to shape us. This means creating boundaries around our time, attention, and emotional investments so that Christ remains at the center. [42:00]
3. The Cost of Constant Connectivity: Our relationship with technology and media is not neutral; it shapes our brains, our emotions, and our spiritual lives. The endless pursuit of dopamine hits from phones and news feeds leaves us emotionally depleted and spiritually distracted. Choosing silence and margin over constant stimulation is a radical act of faith in our age. [53:13]
4. The Invitation to Solitude and Rest: Throughout history, Christians have recognized the need to withdraw from the noise to encounter God. While we may not move to the desert, we are called to build “inner monasteries”—spaces of solitude and prayer in our daily lives. This is where true transformation happens, and from this place, we can engage the world with peace and purpose. [68:06]
5. Reorienting Life Around Jesus: The call is not to escape the world, but to let our relationship with Jesus become the foundation from which everything else flows. This requires a radical reordering of priorities, where time with God is not an afterthought but the main thing. When we walk with Jesus through every part of life—work, family, busyness—He brings rest, clarity, and transformation. [72:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[39:06] - Series Recap: Engaging Our Faith
[40:11] - The Challenge of Busyness and Noise
[41:23] - Mary and Martha: Choosing Presence
[42:00] - Guarding Your Heart
[43:01] - Stories of Chaos and Emotional Overload
[45:47] - Lessons from Missions Trip Chaos
[50:53] - The Pull of Technology and Media
[53:13] - Dopamine, Addiction, and Emotional Health
[55:33] - C.S. Lewis on News and Emotional Overload
[57:48] - The Real Temptation: Busyness and Distraction
[58:20] - Mary’s Radical Choice and Cultural Context
[63:47] - The Kingdom for Everyone
[68:06] - Learning from the Desert Fathers and Mothers
[72:32] - Jesus’ Invitation to Rest
[81:02] - Response and Application
[82:42] - Worship Night Invitation and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 10:38–42 (ESV) — > Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Proverbs 4:23 (ESV) — > Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

Mark 6:30–32 (ESV) — > The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.

Observation Questions

In the story of Mary and Martha, what specific actions did each sister take when Jesus visited their home? (Luke 10:38–42)
According to Proverbs 4:23, what are we instructed to guard, and why is this important?
What invitation does Jesus give to his disciples in Mark 6:31, and what was the situation that led to this invitation?
In the sermon, what are some examples given of “good things” that can still become distractions from being present with Jesus? ([41:23])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus say that Mary has “chosen what is better” in Luke 10:42? What does this suggest about the value of presence versus activity?
The sermon mentions that even good and necessary activities can become distractions. How might this challenge our assumptions about what it means to serve God? ([41:23])
Proverbs 4:23 says to “guard your heart.” In the context of today’s culture, what might it look like to guard your heart from emotional overload or distraction? ([42:00])
The sermon references the Desert Fathers and Mothers withdrawing for solitude, not to escape, but to be transformed. How does this historical example help us understand Jesus’ invitation to rest and solitude? ([01:08:06])

Application Questions

The sermon describes how technology and media constantly pull at our attention, often leaving us emotionally depleted. What is one specific way your phone, social media, or news habits have affected your emotional or spiritual life? ([53:13]) What could you do differently this week to create more space for God?
Jesus invited his disciples to “come away… and rest.” What would it look like for you to intentionally make space for quiet and rest with God in your current season of life? ([01:12:32]) What obstacles make this difficult, and how could you address them?
The story of Mary and Martha shows that even good things—like serving others—can distract us from being with Jesus. Is there a “good thing” in your life that might be crowding out time with God? How could you re-prioritize this week? ([41:23])
The sermon challenges us to “guard our hearts” by setting boundaries around our time and attention. What is one practical boundary you could set (with technology, work, or relationships) to help keep Christ at the center? ([42:00])
The Desert Fathers and Mothers created “inner monasteries” of prayer and solitude. What would an “inner monastery” look like for you? Is there a daily or weekly rhythm you could start to help you withdraw from noise and be with God? ([01:08:06])
The pastor shared about feeling pulled in a million directions and the temptation to reach for his phone instead of turning to God. When you feel overwhelmed or scattered, what is your default response? How could you practice turning toward Jesus in those moments? ([53:13])
Jesus doesn’t promise to remove all chaos, but he offers peace and rest in his presence. When have you experienced this kind of peace? What steps can you take to seek it more consistently? ([01:12:32])

Sermon Clips

But what they found is our body naturally wants to even itself up out. So when we get those dopamine hits and we, oh, that's funny. Oh, that's exciting. Oh, that's entertaining. Your body can't stay at that level. And so it naturally wants to go the opposite direction to even us out. And so what happens is our emotions then and what's going on in our brain starts to go lower and lower and lower. And it's no wonder. When you look at statistics, especially among young people, is how depression and anxiety is hugely on the rise. Literally, social media companies have figured out how to alter the chemistry in our brains, right? To me, it's just a fun Instagram or fantasy football thing. To them, it's an opportunity to make money. And I found myself, it's working. I look at my screen time and feel convicted. It's working. It's working. It's working. It's working. [00:53:47] (59 seconds) #BusynessAsModernTemptation

The idea is that the temptation of our age in 2025 might not be persecution and a secular society and all of the temptations around us. All those things are real, but this person makes the argument, maybe the most dangerous thing our faith is experiencing right now is the constant busyness, preoccupation, and things that are going on in our lives. That are pulling us away from being with Jesus. That maybe that is the big temptation. [00:57:56] (32 seconds) #ChoosingPresenceOverHurry

But what's also interesting is that, and the readers at that time would understand this because culturally at that time, if you were a man and a woman and you weren't married, you weren't just hanging out in the living room together. Culturally in that time, there were separate rooms, and there was rooms for men, and there were rooms for women. And so this should be a little bit jarring to the people that were reading it because they hear that a lady is sitting at the feet of Jesus. They are breaking every cultural norm. It looked inappropriate. [01:02:58] (37 seconds) #ParentingInFaithAndChaos

And so in this moment, yes, it's all about busyness. It's all about Martha is busy. Mary has the right heart, but it's also about Mary in this moment realizes there is something different here. She gets a glimpse. And the author is saying the kingdom of God is not just about men and women. And culturally, it was men that typically were able to sit at the feet of teachers. But the author is saying the kingdom has come, this new kingdom, this new reign of a king has come and it's for everyone. [01:04:13] (34 seconds) #SlowingDownToHearGod

And that resonates with me so much in this stage of life, in the busyness, in the chaos, and I'm having a harder time than ever withdrawing. Just busyness and schedules and how early do I have to get up? Because every time I get up at 630, my daughter Brinley is awake at 630. I wake up at six. Oh, weird. She's awake. Like no matter how early I go to try and spend time with God, she's there ready to watch the iPad and wants me to make breakfast. It's like, this is so unhealthy. Give me that screen, Brinley. [01:05:13] (32 seconds) #CreatingInnerSolitude

And so how do we, as followers of Jesus, slow down and turn down the noise of the world to potentially the biggest danger to our faith, which is just hurry and busyness and distraction and constant entertainment? How do we choose to actually do that, right? How do we do that? [01:06:12] (28 seconds) #InnerTransformationMatters

But the reality is cultural Christianity without inner transformation is powerless. These early desert fathers and mothers realized something that just going to church and all this is great. But unless the inside of me is radically changed, nothing's changing. [01:12:02] (22 seconds)

And so the question for all of us, I think today, isn't how do we withdraw from society? But it's to say, Jesus, what does it look like to reorient ourselves around you and being with you? [01:12:25] (16 seconds)

I think the invitation today and every day in the middle of our busyness for all of the people out there that you're working so many hours because living is getting so much more expensive. And so if I can work more and I can work more and I can do more and try and accomplish this. My kids are going to be okay and I can help provide for this in the middle of that, that struggle in the middle of things at work, being crazy nonstop and saying, I'm about to get to a slower season. I'm about to get to a time when things aren't as crazy and I'll be able to slow down in the middle of that struggle in the middle of the struggle of things going on in your own family and at pulling your heart in different directions and not knowing what you're supposed to do. There's an invitation from Jesus. Who says life is still going to be busy and crazy, but come with me because I want to give you rest. [01:13:15] (54 seconds)

Life isn't going to be perfect all of a sudden, but you're going to be able to walk with me. I think the answer to so many things, culturally anxiety, depression, stress, so many of these things. I'm not saying you're just going to be fixed overnight and it's so complicated, but I know for myself. When I view my life. As walking with Jesus, it's me and him, something changes and when I go about my day and I'm walking with Jesus and work, walking with Jesus and my family, walking with Jesus and this, something changes inside of me and that is the invitation, all of us. It's not an invitation to perfection, it's not an invitation to seven hours in prayer, it's just an invitation to say, Jesus, I'm tired, I need you. That's, I believe, what it is. [01:14:09] (53 seconds)

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