All
during our lifetime, we love to create on God's behalf through our vocation,
hobbies, parenthood and church ministry. However, we fail to heed God's advice
to take times off to rest (Genesis 2:1-2:3).
God
gave us an example of how to spend our time by taking a day to focus on rest. We
usually use our "day off" to catch up on chores around the house, to stock
our pantry and to prepare for the coming week.
During
the most hectic days at work, home and with family, we often wish we could fly
away on the wings of a dove and be at rest (Psalm 55:6). Yet, we fail to use
our days off to relax and breathe.
Most
of us enjoy our work, and realize that no matter what our vocation, it is God
who actually pays our check (Ecclesiastes 2:24-25). This helps us not to be
anxious about our livelihood.
God
gives us our job and keeps us there until He has another place for us to minister
for His Kingdom (Acts 8:39). Regardless of our vocation, God has His perfect plans
for us (Ephesian 2:10).
There
is no reason to feel worried about any aspect of our life. We take all of our
cares to the Lord in prayer, because He cares about us (1 Peter 5:7).
God's
peace guides us, not through our human mind, but through our spirit. He guards
our emotions and mind from worry and stress, because we abide in Christ Jesus
(Philippians 4:6-7).
Jesus
modeled this peace through storms, Satan's temptations, persecution and His
crucifixion (Matthew 8:24). God is humble and gentle with us and gives us rest
for our soul (Matthew 11:28-29).
Pray:
Father
God, remind us that You offer us a fulfilling and passionate relationship with
You, which keeps us in peace because of Your faithful provision for all of our
needs (Romans 8:28). This requires regular quiet times in order to enter your
rest (Hebrews 13:5).
As
we pray with our children and model a Godly walk for them, they too will learn
the importance of trusting You with their life. Help us to enter into Your rest
and to abide under the shadow of Your wings (Hebrews 4:10; Psalm 91).
Thought
for the Day:
Pray
as a single person, as a couple and with your children to inspire anticipation
for the miracles ahead, as well as faith in God's faithfulness, which both inspire
us to rest in Him and to walk in His peace in every situation.
