We first read about work in the Bible, in Genesis 2:2 when, God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. The theme continues right through to Revelation 14:13, Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!”
Right from the start God’s plan for humanity included work, he placed Adam, in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. Genesis 2:15
From the time we leave full time education until the time we retire, most of us will have had experience of working. Work is part of life!
Our experience of work over the past year has changed with the Corona virus pandemic. Many people have had to adjust to working from home or being on furlough.
As restrictions begin to ease, it seems an appropriate time to review and reflect on our patterns of work and to listen to God for his wisdom and direction, going forward.
Review and Reflect: A creative activity.
I would like to invite you to take a piece of paper and to draw a seesaw on it……no A level art required for this! Leave plenty of space above the seesaw.
- Write a list of the positive attributes of your current work, be that paid or unpaid, on one end to the seesaw.
- Write a list of the negative or challenging aspects of your work on the other end of the seesaw.
- Review the balance and consider how you may address any imbalance.
- How has the pandemic affected your work?
- What have you learnt through the changes to your work pattern during the pandemic?
- How has God provided for you in your work during the pandemic?
- What provision have you made for rest within your daily rhythm of life? (Rest by Alex Pang, provides helpful insight into rest)
Pause and Ponder
Now read these verses slowly three times and choose a word or phrase or sentence that you feel drawn to today. Ponder on it in the silence, for a few minutes, and see what God will show you through it.
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23 NLT
Professional work habits prevent poverty from becoming
your permanent business partner. And:
If you put off until tomorrow the work you could do today,
tomorrow never seems to come.
Proverbs 24:30-34 TPT
Listen
Be Still My Soul, In You I Rest Kari Jobe