Worn Out

 

Work is good, too much work is not so good.  We should be doing what God is blessing, not necessarily asking God to bless what we’re doing.  When things are done under our own steam, driven by our own wisdom, it is exhausting.  When God is in charge, He is gracious to give peace and rest.

 

Psalm 127: 1-2 - Unless the Lord builds the house,
    the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the guards stand watch in vain.
 In vain you rise early
    and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
    for He grants sleep to those He loves.

 

Things to think about:

·       What are you working on these days?

o   Is it invigorating or debilitating?

o   Are you losing sleep over it or sleeping like a baby?

·        I’ve been conditioned to believe that I should always be working harder, always pushing just a bit more

o   If I don’t do it, it won’t get done

o   My competition is working when I’m not

o   Maybe I’m just being a little lazy or complacent

§  Have any of these lies crossed your mind?

·       Our verse says that when we are working in our own strength and on our own agendas, God won’t bless the work and we will be worn out

o   Have you ever seen this play out in your own life?

o   How frustrating is it to work on something that isn’t working???

·       On the other hand, God wants to be your partner (actually, the boss) of what you are doing

o   When He is leading the project, your work will not be in vain

o   How much more comforting to know that your work, your ministry, your relationships are being led by God and that His plans never fail

§  Joshua 21:43-45 - So the Lord gave Israel all the land He had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as He had sworn to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hands. Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.

·       If you are struggling with peace and assurance about something you are engaged in, ask God who is building the house, you or Him.

o   Be ready to give it back to Him and even open to walking away from it if He tells you to

o   Matthew 11:28-30 - “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”