EP 178: Only A Few Things Are Important: Anchoring Your Heart in What Matters Most

Inside: A gentle reminder that only a few things are truly important—and none of them are wasted when they’re done unto the Lord.

I often share how thankful I am for the life and ministry of Elisabeth Elliot—she has been such a steady voice of truth and encouragement in my walk with the Lord.

Even though I never met her personally, she’s discipled me over the years through her writing. Two of her books in particular—Keep a Quiet Heart (which is one of my current reads—I just shared that, along with a devotional from Mark 5, in my June newsletter) and Let Me Be a Woman—are ones I return to again and again. Each time I open them, the Lord uses her words to draw my heart back to what truly matters in this life as a Christian woman, wife, mother, and homemaker.

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Listen in the to Podcast (8 minutes) or read the post below (5 minutes).

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Trusting God’s Providence in Every Season

One of the things I’ve always appreciated about Elisabeth is how she trusted the providence of God—even when life was painful and uncertain. She understood that nothing ever took the Lord by surprise. That truth continues to comfort and steady my own heart—especially on days when life feels unpredictable, overwhelming, or simply too much.

There’s one particular quote from her that I return to often—it’s one I keep in my journal. It helps reorient my thinking when I’ve allowed the noise of the world—or even the good desires to do more—to crowd out the simple, faithful work the Lord has called me to:

“Only a few things are really important, and for those we have the promise of divine help: sitting in silence with the Master in order to hear His word and obey it in the ordinary line of duty—for example, in being a good husband, wife, mother, son, daughter, or spiritual father or mother to those nearby who need protection and care—humble work which is never on the world’s list because it leads to nothing impressive on one’s resume.”

Elisabeth Elliot, Keep a Quiet Heart

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Sitting at the Feet of Jesus

It reminds me of Jesus’ words to Martha in Luke 10, when He gently told her that only one thing was necessary—and Mary had chosen it, sitting at His feet and listening to His teaching. The world will always call us to do more, but Jesus calls us to Himself.

That quote was originally part of a reflection on thanksgiving—and how the spirit of greed, even the greed of doing and being more, can crowd out a grateful heart. That connection has stuck with me. When I neglect time with the Lord, my heart tends to chase after things that look impressive but leave me empty. Gratitude grows in the quiet when I remember that God sees and values faithfulness in the small things.

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Grace-Driven Obedience in the Everyday

And that kind of obedience flows out of grace. It’s not about trying harder to be a better homemaker or Christian, but about resting in what Christ has already done. As we abide in Him, we’re strengthened to walk faithfully in whatever He’s called us to today.

Isn’t that such a needed reminder? It’s so easy to fall into the trap of busyness—chasing after long to-do lists, looking for validation in productivity, or striving to do more in hopes that it will finally feel like “enough.” But the Lord hasn’t asked us to keep up with the world’s expectations. He calls us to something far simpler and far more beautiful: to sit at His feet, to listen to His Word, and to walk in quiet obedience in the ordinary places of life.

That sitting comes first. For me, that often looks like opening my Bible in the early hours with a cup of coffee nearby, jotting down what I’m learning, and praying through my day before the house is busy.

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Kingdom Work in the Quiet Places

If I’m not slowing down to listen—to really sit with His Word—I’m quick to forget what matters most. It’s there, in those quiet moments with the Lord, that I’m reminded of the beauty of the work He’s entrusted to me. Caring for my home, loving my husband and children, being present and available for a friend in need, encouraging a younger woman in the faith—these are the places where kingdom work often happens.

And none of it is impressive in the eyes of the world. But it is precious in the eyes of our Savior.

Philippians 2:3–4 gives us such a clear picture of what this kind of life looks like:

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (ESV)

It’s the kind of humility that flows not from our own strength, but from knowing who we are in Christ. We’re not earning favor with God through our service—we already have it, fully and forever, because of Jesus. From that place of rest, we’re freed to walk in obedience, right in the middle of laundry piles, a sink full of dishes, or a quiet moment spent praying for someone we love.

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A Question to Reflect On

My prayer is that the Lord would continue to help me keep my eyes—and your eyes—fixed on the few things that are truly important. To sit with Him daily, to hear His voice through His Word, and to faithfully walk in the simple duties He’s given us—knowing that none of it is wasted when it’s done unto Him.

What is one simple area of obedience the Lord is calling you to today?

And how can you approach it with joy and gratitude, knowing it’s not wasted in His sight?

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