No, I’ve Got It, God.
After an emotionally draining week, I finally sat down to write.
For two days, I tried everything I could to get inspired and put pen to paper. My mind was cluttered, and it was like I was walking in a fog of confusion. I did Google searches and scanned my favorite inspirational blogs, frantically looking for something to kick my creativity into gear.
I spent hours sitting at the computer. A blank screen stared back at me while the blinking cursor impatiently tapped its foot. I took my dog for several long walks to clear my mind. While she thoroughly enjoyed her extra time outdoors, the walks did nothing to help my writing process.
I checked my running list of blog ideas. Multiple potential posts had a good start, but as I re-read them to pick up where I’d left off, no words would come.
How can I be a writer with NO WORDS?
Waiting for the Fruit of My Future Labor
My article deadline stood over me like my 4th grade bully after school. “God please help me”, I prayed!
That night, I got in the shower at 11 pm. As I was washing away the frustrations of the day, the words cease from your labor came to mind. Huh? Cease from your labor? “Is that a scripture, Lord?” After quickly drying off, I googled the phrase and Hebrews 4:10 popped up.
Hebrews 4:10 (KJV): For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God [did] from his.
Cease from my labor? But Lord…I have a deadline!
As I continued to read the passage, the 4th chapter of Hebrews is summarized as follows:
God promised his people rest in the Book of Joshua. Because of their disobedience and unbelief, they failed to receive what God had prepared for them. The gift of rest through Jesus Christ is our promise today – IF we do not fall into the same example of disobedience and unbelief.
What a fitting and timely message as we celebrate Labor Day Weekend!
Put the Rest in Labor Day
Labor Day addresses the problem of working long hours with no time off:
- How many of us are tied to our cell phones and work emails?
- How many of us have plans to tackle yet another home improvement project?
- Which one of you brought work home over Labor Day weekend?
While American society seems to glorify being busy, exhaustion should not be our end goal!
The passage in Hebrews 4 details God’s invitation for us to rest.
Rest is defined as a relief or freedom, especially from anything that wearies, troubles, or disturbs.
How many of us today are weary and disturbed because of our hectic lives and busy schedules? How many of us are exhausted?
I was wearied, troubled, and disturbed because I missed my deadline. I totally ignored God’s invitation to let go of my stress and attempted to operate in my own strength. Pride caused me to think that I could find the inspiration to write within my own power.
You’re Invited to God’s Rest Party!
God’s invitation to rest is an honor and a privilege. When we RSVP in pride – i.e. I can handle everything that life throws at me – we are rejecting God’s invitation to His Rest Party. Pride tricks us into believing that our strength and know-how is just as capable as God’s!
Say “Yes” to God’s invitation to rest.
When we don’t rest, we are walking in unbelief. We don’t trust in God’s power and ability to handle our circumstances. We make the mistake of thinking that, if we take a day off, the whole world will fall apart.
This is not the truth!
Rest in the Lord, and trust God to handle every concern and priority on your heart. Our minds can rest as we meditate on God’s Word and remember his promises. He wants us to rejoice in his presence as we still our thoughts and worship him.
Psalms 46:10 reminds us to be still and know that He is God. As we recognize His power and authority, it becomes clearer that God is in control.
So, what’s the play call?
The one thing you must do this Labor Day is very simple and is summed up in one word:
REST.
Have a great Labor Day, Teammates!
