Do you feel like you always need to be productive? Do you often feel you are stressed and don’t have time for fun? What does that have to do with God and his plan for your life?
Everything matters to Him.
Every thing matters to Him.
He created you and me on purpose for a purpose.
He knows the plans He has for you and me, things He wants us to accomplish. And, He wants us to enjoy the journey we are on with Him through this life… not just dutifully endure what we are called to do.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “There is a time for everything; and a season for every activity under the heavens:”
The chapter continues with all the tasks of life on earth: being born and dying, planting and uprooting, killing and healing, tearing down and building, weeping and laughing, mourning and dancing, scattering stones and gathering, embracing and refraining, searching and giving up, keeping and throwing away, tearing and mending, being silent and speaking, loving and hating, war and peace.
God knows what life on this earth is like.
He understands. He knows there are tasks that must be done. He knows the work He has assigned us. And yet, He also has a sense of humor. He wants us to experience joy. He loves to see His children smile.
He delights in us! He loves when we are enjoying life in Him and with His creation.
We are not ignoring our calling when we laugh. When we intentionally set aside time to pause our work and purposefully play instead of applying our minds to the task at hand. He doesn’t mind when we rest and play. In fact He commands it!
In Matthew 11:28-30 God wrote, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
It’s hard to enjoy life when weary and heavy-laden. Jesus wants to help us unburden so we can smile and laugh and delight in God’s gifts.
Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Productivity is a good thing, but it’s not the only thing. God wants obedience from us, but He also delights when we are joyful- not stressed out. Are you, like me, trying to be as productive as possible, that sometimes, all the trying and striving steals the joy right out of you?
God cares about our state of mind. He cares about our joy just as He cares about our faith. He will help us strike a balance in life if we ask Him. Let’s ask Him together for just that.
Prayer: Dear Lord, You know. You know how I try and I strive to accomplish what needs done, and sometimes a little more. I know You want me to enjoy this life and delight in Your gifts. Please show me how to live life less stressed, noticing You and Your gifts more, and growing in wonder as You provide for what needs to happen. In Jesus’ name, Amen.