Scriptures
23. He told them, “This is what the Lord commanded: Tomorrow will be a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath day set apart for the Lord... 29 They must realize that the Sabbath is the Lord’s gift to you... Exodus 16:23, 29.
Congratulations
Did you just get a good job after a long period of no income or unfavorable conditions? Congratulations! Did your business just start booming with more than you can handle because of answered prayers? I rejoice with you. Watch out though.
Deceit of More Work
There is a pull or attraction that comes with working especially when the Lord has put His blessings upon our work. We always want to make the maximum we could. This is even more pronounced if we got the work after long periods of no income or unfavorable working conditions. So as we encounter more success, it would be very tempting to continue working long hours every day of the week.
This scripture above tells us how the Lord provided manna for the children of Israel. They were to gather it for six days and on the seventh were commanded to rest and do no work. They were to gather twice as much on the sixth so there could be more than enough on the seventh. Prior to that, they were even told to gather only what is sufficient for their household. However, some gathered a lot but at the end of the day it was just enough for their family. As expected, not everyone obeyed the instruction not to go out on the seventh day, but they found nothing.
God's Gift
While we are in a culture that celebrates working into exhaustion, the Lord doesn't want you to work every day of the week. He wants you to set aside a day to rest and worship Him. He said it is a gift for you. Of course, the devil would only want you to continue to see reasons to work round the clock. You may need to discipline yourself through proper scheduling. Set a goal with a date to gradually transition from being a workaholic to enjoying the life God has given you.
So, take a day off. It is God’s gift to you. The work can wait!
Prayer Points
1. Father thank you for caring for me.
2. Father help me to take rest in you and be satisfied with what you've given me.
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