(Deuteronomy 6: 10-12) 10 When the Lord your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, 11 houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, 12 be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
In life we have “sweet spots.” You know, those times we all look forward to, when life is just a little easier, a lot more fun, and things seems to roll on by like a peaceful stream…birds are chirping, sun is shining, light breeze in the air. Life is just cooperating with you!
During these times, it’s easy to take it all for granted…especially when you’ve been through some really difficult spells, because you’re just so relieved to be out of the wilderness. However, we must remember that nothing we have or experience would exist if not for the grace and love of God. He’s been merciful to us, and not without reason.
- We have a commission: (Matthew 28: 19-20) 19 ”Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
- We have a commandment: (John 13: 34-35) 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Times of rest and respite from hardship are a blessing, and it is during this time that we are able to be an even greater blessing to others than ever before. Everything within our reaches, all that is accessible, every resource and belonging…it all comes from the hand of God. Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
I can’t help but think of the scene from The Lion King when Mufasa and Simba are watching the sun rise over the Savannah from Pride Rock and Mufasa says to his little prince, “Everything the light touches is our kingdom.” This is our reality when we are walking in the blessing and favor of God. We have the world at our fingertips, and that is not something to be squandered or taken lightly. So yes, rest…relax…breathe deep and enjoy the goodness of life while you are able to do so, but also share, bless, love and…well…do your job! If you see need, respond. Speak positivity into negative situations. Use your testimonies to encourage the lowly. Give of your time, your money, your listening ears, your gifts and abilities, and your energy to make “everything the light touches” (the kingdom) bigger…stronger…until the love of God, the light of the world, touches every heart and life.
(Matthew 24:14) And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
And isn’t that “end” what we long to see? But until then, we have work to do! And just as you would do at any job, take that much-needed break…then get up, with a renewed mind and spirit, and boldly share the love and word of God…using all of the excess and abundance as kingdom resources. We can’t get lazy now, and we certainly cannot forget that “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” (James 1:17)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for provision and rest. Thank you that through your grace and mercy I am delivered from the bondage of sin and darkness. Let me be a light that shines bright for your glory, using every blessing in my life to spread that light. Amen.
Thinking Out Loud 