“Defeating Distracting Thoughts!”

Pastor Doug Heisel – June 1, 2025

Luke 10:38-42 — As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him.  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said.

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

1. Let go of thinking that your emotional well-being is contingent on someone else CHANGING.

“Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

Psalm 19:14 — May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

2. Choose GRATITUDE to avoid being easily OFFENDED or becoming UPTIGHT about too many things.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,

Philippians 4:6-7 — Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

3. Prioritize time where you are LISTENING to JESUS.

(Mary) sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said.

“…few things are needed—or indeed only one.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith… Hebrews 12:2a

Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end.  (GNT)