The Posture of a Believer

Sitting at Jesus' Feet

She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. –Luke 10:39

Most of us are familiar with the story of Martha and Mary, but Luke’s brief description of Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet reveals the true posture that transforms a believer’s walk. Yet if we are honest with ourselves, we often relate more to Martha than to Mary. Like Martha, we can become frustrated when we feel we are the ones doing all the work in the home, the workplace, and even in the church. The work we do matters, and we are to do it diligently as unto the Lord. But nothing is more important than the time we spend sitting at the feet of Jesus. It is our lifeline. I recently shared a fuller teaching on this passage for those who would like to explore it more deeply.

Everything we do flows from the time we spend being filled with the Holy Spirit. When we are not filled with Him, there is empty space, and that space is often filled with stress, comparison, offense, and striving.

There is another place in Scripture where we see someone sitting at her redeemer’s feet in the book of Ruth.

“When she came quietly, she uncovered his feet and lay down.” –Ruth 3:7

Boaz was Ruth’s kinsman-redeemer. He took her from gleaning in the fields for scraps to a place of honor at his feet. When Naomi instructed Ruth to uncover Boaz’s feet, this was not scandalous but symbolic. Ruth was expressing humility, trust, and surrender. By lying at his feet and asking him to spread his cloak over her, she was asking to be covered and protected, a legally recognized request for marriage.

When we dwell in the secret place of the Most High, we abide under the shadow (protection) of our Kinsman Redeemer (Psalm 91:1). The word “dwell” comes from the Hebrew word yashab, meaning to sit, remain, or settle. It implies actively living in His presence, relying on His protection, and allowing His Word to permeate the heart and mind. While it describes a continuous relationship with God, part of dwelling is learning to abide or rest at His feet.

Life can be challenging and we can easily find ourselves striving.

I remember a day when I was completely weary from everything I had been working on, and from life in general. I was supposed to meet a dear friend for lunch, but I couldn’t see how I could possibly fit it in with all I needed to accomplish that day. When I expressed my concern, she gently said, “Jeannie, just take the entire morning to sit at Jesus’ feet. Don’t do any work before we meet for lunch. Just rest in Him. I promise you, He will more than make up for the time you spend with Him and help you finish everything.”

She is much like Mary, spending much time at Jesus' feet, and she is one of the most loving people I know. I spent that entire morning soaking in His presence as she suggested. That afternoon, I was more productive than I would have been working straight for two days. And I got to enjoy precious time with my friend.

The Lord multiplies our time and productivity when we put Him first. Yet sometimes we become so caught up in our busyness that we need a loving reminder. Striving is like running on a hamster wheel. Jesus, however, gives us rest and purposeful direction.

Where are you striving, Beloved?

Jesus said His burden is easy and His yoke is light, and with Him we find rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28–30). Where do you feel weak or unable to do what He has called you to do? The Lord says, “It is not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6). Like the apostle Paul, we can even take joy in our weakness, knowing that it is in our insufficiency that God’s strength is revealed.

Sitting at Jesus’ feet is meant to be our daily posture. It is where we receive love, protection, and strength to accomplish what He has entrusted to us. It is where we find direction for our lives. It is also the posture that releases stress, worry, and burdens we were never meant to carry.

Just as Boaz chose Ruth and paid a price to redeem her, Jesus chose us and paid the ultimate price with His precious blood. Should not our posture reflect that reality?

If you desire to sit at Jesus’ feet but aren’t sure what that looks like in your daily life, I explore this more deeply in The Christian Secret, where I share practical ways to cultivate a peaceful rhythm in the secret place with Him. You can learn more about it here on Heart Like His.

Prayer

"Dear Heavenly Father, teach us to daily abide in You. Thank You for the rest You provide for our souls in this chaotic world. Help us to be more like Ruth and Mary, not chasing insignificant things, but sitting at the feet of our Redeemer.

Under Your wings we find refuge, healing, and protection. Thank You that we do not need to strive, but can trust You to position us where we need to be, connecting us to the right people and opportunities. There is no place we would rather dwell than under Your covering. In Jesus’ Name, amen."