The Blessing & The Rest
There are patterns to our life that can lead to blessing and patterns that can lead to pain. How do you feel about the direction of your life?
“Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”
“The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
“Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.” Genesis 2:3, 18, 25 WEB
God had a plan with how he made us. He built us to have periods of rest. To have community and companionship. To feel good about who we are and the work we have to do. He never meant for us to feel shame. Shame is not from God.
Is there anywhere in my life where I feel like I am hiding? Where I hide how I really feel out of fear?
“I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father. Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.” Psalms 2:7-8
Do you see who you are to God? Child, beloved, precious inheritor. Do you think there is a limit on the inheritance that the Lord God who made all that exists will give to you? What are you asking God for today? Odds are it is smaller than the blessing He wants you to receive. How great and vast is your inheritance meant to be?
“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:1-2, 5-6 WEB
There is a big difference between slave, servant, and son. God calls you his child and with that we know that his advice is that of a parent who knows you best and wants the best for you.
Solomon makes a critical point about hearing and doing. If we know what is best but do not apply it, do we see life change?
“Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord...Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?” Isaiah 2:5, 22 WEB
Walking around in the dark or at night is difficult and dangerous. How much worse is it to walk in spiritual darkness? Who I listen to matters. If I listen to all people I am guaranteed to get advice that is limited in understanding. When we listen to God's voice in our lives then we walk in the light of eternal life. What does that mean? It means unlike the garden shame, there is freedom and peace in our hearts.
“Where is he who is born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and have come to worship him...When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening their treasures, they offered to him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh" Matthew 2: 2, 10-11
What do we learn about the wise men? They walk in faith that the promises of God will come true and a savior will come who will change everything. Imagine moving with that kind of trust. What were the patterns of their lives? They were prepared, they walk according to God's promises, and they were generous.
Are we not called to do the same? To form patterns in our lives according to God's word so that we live in such a way that success is defined by how often we worship and regularly we respond with the gifts we have?