John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

Happy Fall, readers! We are starting out just as strong as the title with this one. Many of us are aware that we have entered Q4 which can be quite distressing for some people. There’s one side that may view this time to plan and organize for next year. Then, there are others who are trying to salvage what’s left of the year by ending it with some morsel of productivity because they’ve been idle in months prior. Wherever you find yourself, don’t forget that in all we do as believers, should be done with the measured Grace God has given us and while still keeping Him first!

God has given us a beautiful mind and oftentimes, we will trust our own mental strength before we seek to rest at the feet of Jesus. We hear the scripture that talks about faith without works is dead and stunningly believe that our work can substitute our intimacy with God. There has to be an understanding that God is not seeking our works before our worship.

Yes, our worship can look like the work we do for Him, only if outside of that work is intentional devotion, prayer, and quiet time with our Heavenly Father. I know rest in this aspect can seem counterproductive to achieving our goals because we are more focus on the lack of time we believe we have in our day. However, God is the One Who gave us our day and it would behoove us to center our days, our work, our planning, and aspirations around Him and seeking His guidance on how to finish everything on our to-do list.

Now understand this is not a post to shame those that desire to be organized and work hard. God encourages us to mirror the ant because He does not want us to be idle with our time. At a glance the ants may appear to just be “busy” but they are actually following suit of their respective duties given to them by God. Our lives are not to appear busy to show others or even ourselves how much we got accomplished in our lives but our work should reflect the great God that we serve found in Matthew 5:16.

So, don’t let your duties overwhelm you! You’re more than a “type a personality.” You’re a child of a loving and gracious God Who desires for you to succeed and fellowship with you daily. Our works were never to replace our devotion to God and we are not to forfeit the privilege to rest in Him.