The One Necessary Thing

"The one thing needed is not found in movement but in presence—sitting quietly at His feet."

Devotional Insights by Bob Hoekstra
Photo Credit: Unsplash

This morning’s reading reminds us of what truly matters—not just in moments of quiet but in the whole of life. Bob Hoekstra draws our eyes to the singular focus shared by both Paul and Mary of Bethany: the unwavering desire to know Jesus. Paul, nearing the height of his ministry, did not claim to have arrived spiritually. Instead, he declared that his one goal—his "one thing"—was to know Christ intimately, in the power of His resurrection.

This resonates deeply with Mary, who chose to sit at Jesus’ feet while her sister Martha was preoccupied with serving. Jesus wasn’t rebuking service; He was highlighting something higher: undistracted devotion. Mary wasn't being lazy—she was being captivated. She had chosen the "good part," the one thing needed. It would not be taken from her.

Martha’s anxieties came from doing for Jesus without sitting with Him. And Paul’s passionate pursuit of Christ flowed not from striving, but from beholding. Both examples bring the same truth into sharp focus: knowing Jesus—being with Him—is not one of many priorities. It is the only one that gives meaning to the rest. And it’s the only one that cannot be taken away.

Journal Entry – In the Voice of the Holy Spirit through Scripture

I have drawn your heart to one thing, and that one thing is Me. You have tasted My goodness, and now I have become your pursuit, not your project. I have called you away from many things—legitimate, even noble—so that you would see the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. The anxious toil of Martha fades in the radiance of Mary's stillness. I am not impressed with what you do for Me; I am pleased when you sit with Me.

You are seated with Me already in the heavenly realms. Your striving has ceased, for your life is hidden with Christ in God. In quietness and confidence shall be your strength, and I will keep you in perfect peace when your mind is fixed on Me. My desire is not your productivity—it is your presence. I dwell within you, and I long for you to know My heart as I already know yours.

There is one thing needed, and I am that One. I am the resurrection and the life. Draw near and listen. Let Me fill your thoughts. I will show you the way in which you should go, and I will guide you with My eye upon you. I have chosen you that you might be with Me—and then that you might bear fruit that remains.

Set your heart on Me. Walk with Me. Sit with Me. I am yours, and you are Mine.

Verses referenced: Luke 10:38–42, Philippians 3:10–13, Ephesians 2:6, Colossians 3:1–3, Isaiah 30:15, Isaiah 26:3, Psalm 32:8, John 15:16

Prayer – In My Voice

Lord Jesus, You are the one necessary thing in my life—not just today, but always. I don’t want to settle for activity without intimacy. I don’t want to be so busy serving You that I forget to be with You. You've made me new, and You've placed Yourself in me as life itself. Thank You for gently leading me back to the better part when I drift into distraction. Thank You that You will never take Yourself from me, and that in every moment, Your presence is available, steady, and full of grace. I rest now in You—the One I was made for.