Devotions

Running On Empty

“For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” Exodus 20:11 

The Lord worked for six days in a row. In that six-day period, the Lord created “heaven, earth, the sea, and all that is in them.” I don’t know about you, but no matter what I think I have accomplished in the last six days, it is comparatively a drop of water in the ocean.  

So why do I sometimes feel “empty” at the close of each week? I can list myriad reasons, but most likely it is because I failed to take a sabbath. We are told to rest for one day after our usual “six-day” schedule (whatever your weekly schedule might be). This means something different for each of us, but what is true no matter what our week looks like is that we need a day to be with the Lord and renew our strength.  

We cannot expect to be a servant of the Lord - exhausted.  

In the coming days and weeks, I need to consider how I “rest in the Lord.” 

• Do I take time to think deeply?   
• Do I find ways to see God‘s presence in the everyday experiences?  
• Do I earnestly rest (not sleep) and dedicate my heart and time to be in relationship with Jesus? 

I believe we are all, truly, doing the best we can. My prayer for you is that you experience the peace of Christ that comes with choosing to spend time to rest in him. 

Choose Joy!

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7 

Sunday, March 7, was a great day! The sounds of children in the classrooms, the joy of our members as they showed up for worship, and the beautiful sunshine made for a perfect Sunday morning. Chuck’s sermon was medicine for a weary soul and encouragement for a new week. Our volunteers topped it off with extravagant hospitality and enthusiasm. Isn’t it just like God to give us what we need at just the right moment? However, we have to do our part. We have to be on the lookout so that we see God working in these moments.  

The Psalmist reminds us to abide in our relationship with the Lord for strength and for joy. We want to be prepared for whatever our day brings, and it is so much better when we can seize the day with a joyful spirit. Seeking God’s presence in the everyday moments of life strengthens our faith. Abiding in that presence gives us hope and teaches us to trust the Lord. My prayer for you on this day is that your heart leaps for joy and you sing praises for all that God is doing in your life. Choose joy!