Learning To Rest

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Matthew 6:33-34

“BUT DAD, YOU PROMISED. All the other dads are going to be there.”

Robert’s heart sank. He had done it again. Another client crisis meant he would be working late again tonight and wouldn’t be able to attend his son’s first wrestling match of the season. The disappointment in his son’s voice felt like a baseball bat to the midsection.

Lately, Robert’s clients seemed to be “in crisis” more often, which meant more hours and more late nights. Robert could see that this was beginning to create a crisis at home as he became increasingly disconnected from his wife and children.

As men, what we do, how much we are able to accomplish, and how successful we are at work can often form the foundation of our sense of identity. Everywhere we turn, the message is loud and clear: The more we do, the better we are. So we begin to worship at the altar of busyness and work. The result? We become irritable and unhappy in our busyness.

When success and accomplishments become the basis of our identity, deep insecurity is the result. There is always more work to be done and more success to be gained. The idol of work, like any idol, will always fail to satisfy the deep longings of our heart.

After His work of creation, God rested. He has also commanded that we take time to rest. Are you currently justifying the idol of busyness?

BOTTOM LINE

God intends for us to keep work and rest in proper balance in our lives. Ask Him to help you.

Moment of Strength: Ecclesiastes 3:1