I feel like many of us have come out of the last few years wondering if our priorities have been in line. I see a lot of people feeling the draw to farming, homesteading, and generally leaning more into a simple way of life.
I know I’ve mentioned it before, but I do believe God used the full stop of 2020 to create a moment of new awareness in His people. We were all laid bare and were forced to reconnect with our families…which was a wonderful blessing!
Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good. It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to His loved ones. Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when He confronts His accusers at the city gates. Psalm 127:1-5
I think these verses really put things into perspective. These are the moments I am leaning into these days.
What is wasted work in my life? If I’m feeling constantly tired, then where have I left an opening in my “city” walls? If I’m feeling anxious in making ends meet, then where do I have a breach in the walls around my life?
We are called to more. We are meant to live in God’s fullness. I believe we can come to a place where we walk in the constant fullness of God. I want to live that way.
If I am going to work hard, I want it to be for the right things. I want to be working where it counts.
I have learned that we are fully capable of wasting our whole lives working for what ends up being nothing. I don’t want to waste anymore time.
I’ve had to work hard to remove my “yes” from being automatic. I now pause, consider, and pray…then make decisions. Our time on earth is far too fleeting to be wasted.
Lord, help me to work at the right things. Give me clear vision for the things You desire for me to build. Take my hands off anything that You don’t desire for me. Lead me. I will follow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful. Proverbs 29:18
365 Days in the Presence 