There is a remedy, but we don't think we need it

Life is busy! Actually, a better way to describe it is this: Life is relentless. 

We never seem to get a break or catch our breath. We are rushing from one thing to the next, giving ourselves little time to even process our emotions along the way. And the result of all of this is that more and more of us are feeling exhausted and ready to scream. We constantly ask the question: Is it ever going to stop!? And in truth, if we don't do something about it, then this same cycle will continue, perpetually! It won't stop if we don't so something about it.

Ecclesiastes 7:39 – “God made man simple: man’s complex problems are of his own devising.” (Jerusalem Bible)

At the core of our culture of busyness, is our reluctance to take a Sabbath rest. Perhaps it is because we are afraid to fall behind the racing pack, or we argue that we can't afford the time to recreate ourselves. However, in truth, we are harming ourselves in the long run. We are not able to perform at our peak, because our bodies and minds are exhausted. Our mental health has taken a hit and we are left fending off all kinds of demons in our minds. 

But God has already given us a remedy, but we don't think we need God's advice. We think we know better. We think that taking some time to rest is seen as a failure. However, the irony is that when we do take some time out or even a short holiday, we usually come back stronger, more focussed and more energised to do our work and to be present with our loved ones.

So, perhaps God knows best after all. It may be wise for us to listen to his advice. Our health depends on it. 

Mark 2:27 - Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Does the devil make work for idle hands? - Lent #22

Does the devil make work for idle hands? That is the big question for today..... Please answer the question before you carry on reading the blog.

Is it YES or is it NO?!

I always believed the answer was "YES." If you are lazy and idle, then the devil will put some kind of temptation in your way and then you will cave into that desire, because you have nothing better to do. It c
ertainly makes sense and in many ways, it has some biblical support, even though it is not a direct quote from the Scriptures. Take for example the words of Paul and Solomon....

1 Timothy 5:13 - "Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to." 

Ecclesiastes 10:18 - "Laziness leads to a sagging roof; idleness leads to a leaky house."

The trouble is that we have blurred the definitions of 'idleness' and 'Sabbath rest' to such a point that when we get an opportunity to 'put down our tools' we are wracked with guilt and we wrongly assume we are being idle. Our good old 'Protesant work ethic' kicks in and we push against the notion of being 'idle.'

So, in the end, what usually happens is that we disobey the commandment of God, in favour of the lie of the world. The world urges us to be busy and we fall into the trap. I would go so far as to suggest that the devil is operating on both ends of the spectrum. He loves it when we are 'idle' because he will make work for us, but the devil delights in our busyness too. When we are so consumed by our work and get caught up in the rush of things, we have less time for Jesus. Either way the devil makes it hard for us.

I urge us all to be aware of his cunning plan. This Easter period, why don't you wrestle with finding the balance in life. Productivity and Sabbath rest. God honours both of these!

Living in Grace

D3LM3