Bible Verse: I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11-13)
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 30:15-18
“I have climbed the highest mountains.
I have run through the fields…
I have run, I have crawled.
I have scaled these city walls…
But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for…”
I can still remember hearing these lyrics for the first time in May of 1987.
U2’s classic song was nominated at the 30th Annual Grammy Awards for “Song of the Year” in 1988 and was listed at #93 on Rolling Stones’ 2010 “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
It struck a chord in many people’s hearts.
It spoke of all the striving, searching, and grasping that inevitably resulted in discontentment; that kind of dogged desire never seemed to produce the expected satisfaction.
Men can work long hours and sacrifice much to create a legacy, only to find that it didn’t produce the contentment they sought. They have climbed the ladder of success and found that it was leaning against the wrong building.
I am not advocating for laziness or apathy here. Paul is very clear that whatever we do, we should work at it with all our hearts (Colossians 3:23).
We were made for work. In the Garden of Eden, when everything was perfect, Adam had work to do (Genesis 2:15). Work is part of God’s image in our lives.
The problem comes when what we are working for becomes the end goal, when it becomes the source of our satisfaction. In that case, we will always be disappointed.
There is never an end to the work that needs to be done.
God sees our drive to accomplish and wants us to experience contentment amid our work.
So, He commands us to rest.
One of the Ten Commandments, right up there with “Do not kill” and “Do not commit adultery,” is “Honor the Sabbath” (Exodus 20:8-11).
When we honour the Sabbath and rest in Jesus’ Name, we boldly state that He is the One in control. He is the One who gives us the ability to work, and all that we have comes from His generous hand.
When we do that, we can experience true rest and true satisfaction.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the opportunities You have given me to work. I love accomplishing tasks and making a difference. I love building things and finishing things. But there is never an end to what needs to be done. There are not enough hours in a day to do everything I want. Help me to rest in You. Help me to remember that it all comes from You, is all done through You, and is all for You. Keep me free from tethering all my satisfaction to my accomplishments; may I only tether my satisfaction to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Reflection: What are some of the greatest accomplishments of your life? How did God enable you to achieve those things? What is your work/life balance like? How many hours are you spending at work these days? Are you honoring the Sabbath? Are you taking time to rest and trust in Jesus’ completing work?
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