When life feels crowded with noise and urgency, choosing His presence becomes the most revolutionary priority of all.
We live in a world of never-ending to-do lists, responsibilities pulling us in every direction, and expectations that seem to multiply overnight. It’s easy to let days slip by without ever truly pausing to spend time with God. Yet Jesus’ gentle reminder to Martha still rings true across the centuries: “One thing is needful” (Luke 10:42).
In that moment — with Martha busy and Mary at Jesus’ feet — we discover a radical truth: no matter what presses for your attention, the most vital priority in your life will always be the presence of God.
The Story of Martha and Mary
Luke 10:38-42 paints this picture beautifully. Jesus visits the home of Martha and Mary. Martha is consumed with preparing the meal, making sure everything is perfect for their honored guest. Her heart is sincere — she wants to serve well. But as her hands and mind race to complete every task, her soul becomes restless and resentful.
Meanwhile, Mary has chosen the one thing that cannot wait — to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to His words. Martha protests, feeling overlooked and unsupported, and Jesus responds with astonishing tenderness: “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42).
Jesus was never rebuking Martha for her work; He was gently correcting her priorities. Even the most worthwhile tasks must take a backseat to drawing close to Him.
Why Prioritizing God’s Presence Feels So Hard
If choosing God’s presence is so important, why is it so difficult to do?
One reason is that urgent things often crowd out eternal things. Phones buzz. Emails pour in. Family members need help. Our minds can race so quickly that the thought of simply sitting with God feels indulgent or impossible.
And then there’s our inner Martha — the part of us that feels more valuable when we’re busy, more “productive” when we’re checking off boxes. Choosing prayer over productivity can feel countercultural in a society that glorifies hustle.
Yet Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Prioritizing His presence may look inefficient to the world, but God promises that everything else will find its proper place when we put Him first.
The Transforming Power of His Presence
When you make God’s presence your first priority, everything begins to shift.
His presence anchors you. Psalm 16:11 declares, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy.” Instead of moving through your day on autopilot, you’ll gain wisdom for the path ahead. Instead of reacting in fear or stress, you’ll find your soul settled in joy.
His presence empowers you. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that “they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles.” Waiting on Him is never wasted time — it’s where God replenishes your strength for the work ahead.
And His presence reorders your heart. The more time you spend with Jesus, the less you chase after lesser things. Psalm 63:3-4 says, “Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live.”
Practical Steps to Prioritize God’s Presence Daily
So, what does it look like to make the presence of God your first priority in everyday life?
1. Start with Him Every Morning
Before the world floods in, take time to be alone with God. Psalm 5:3 says, “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” Even a brief morning habit of prayer, worship, or reading Scripture opens your day on a sacred note.
2. Create Space Throughout the Day
God doesn’t want to be an afterthought; He longs to walk with you. Whisper short prayers as you work. Keep a verse on your phone screen. Find small pauses — in the car, on a walk — to acknowledge Him. Even these brief moments add up.
3. Silence the Noise
We can’t hear God clearly when we’re surrounded by constant noise. Consider making tech-free time — putting the phone on Do Not Disturb, turning off background entertainment, and simply being present in His presence. Psalm 46:10 reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
4. Let Worship Fill Your Space
Worship tunes your heart to His. Play a favorite hymn or worship playlist as you go about daily tasks. You’ll find that as you honor God with your lips, your heart grows softer to hear His voice. Psalm 100:2 calls us to “Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.”
5. End the Day in His Presence
As you close your eyes at night, reflect on His faithfulness. Thank Him for moments of grace, confess any shortcomings, and entrust your cares into His hands. Psalm 4:8 says, “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.”
Making His Presence a Way of Life
Prioritizing God’s presence isn’t a one-time decision — it’s a daily practice of turning your heart toward Him. Some days will feel rich and vibrant. Others will feel dry. That’s part of the process.
God is not looking for perfection; He’s looking for your attention. Even a small, honest moment with Him holds eternal value. Matthew 6:6 reminds us that “thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Every time you pause to meet Him in secret, you sow into a life that overflows with His goodness.
And as you do, you’ll discover that nothing — not your schedule, not your obligations, not your ambitions — can match the peace, wisdom, and strength that flow when you put one thing first: His presence.
Conclusion: Choose the One Thing Needful
Martha was worried about many things. Mary chose one thing — the presence of Jesus. That same choice lies before you every day.
As you learn to quiet your soul, reprioritize your time, and treasure His presence above all, you’ll find a beautiful shift in your life. The distractions may still clamor, the responsibilities will remain — but they will take their proper place beneath the most important thing of all: sitting at the feet of your Savior and hearing His voice.
And like Mary, you’ll receive the promise Jesus gave her — that this one good part “shall not be taken away.”