Promise for Today - Busier Than God

“It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.” Psalm 127:2 (NLT)

God doesn't want you to accomplish everything all at once. He wants you to learn to pace yourself as he uses the circumstances of your life to help you mature little by little. While God is growing your business, he’s growing you. While God is growing your children, he’s growing you. While God is growing your career, he’s growing you. For you to grow, you have to learn to rest in God’s goodness.

Some people think God only smiles on them when they're working, praying, or doing “spiritual” things. But God also smiles on you when you rest.

If you’re a parent, and you’ve ever gone into your kids’ room and checked on them at night, you know the joy it gives you just to watch them sleep. Your heavenly Father enjoys watching you sleep and rest too. He created you to need rest. Even God rested! Are you busier than God?

The Living Bible paraphrase says, "Work six days only, for the seventh day is a special day to remind you of my covenant—a weekly reminder forever of my promises to the people of Israel. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and rested on the seventh day, and was refreshed" (Exodus 31:17).

God has taught me some things about balance—which I’ve had to learn over and over again since starting our church. Here’s what I learned: Resistance to rest is immaturity. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is the church nor anything else that is worthwhile.

Why did God rest and relax on the seventh day? It’s not because he was tired, because God doesn't get tired. He was modeling what he wants you to do: Stop work and relax. Keep a Sabbath, and rest in God’s goodness.

Talk It Over

What are your reasons for overworking at home, school, or work?

How is creating margin in your life a spiritual discipline?

Does your daily schedule reflect a priority to finish your to-do list or to grow spiritually? In what ways?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

         Jesus withdrew to pray and seek solitude in Your presence. Teach us this divine rhythm, to pause and find our quiet place. As we rest in Your love, we ask for renewal and clarity. Clear our minds of clutter and fill our hearts with Your peace, so we may rise with strength and purpose, ready to face each day with grace and understanding. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.