Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalm 107: 8-9.

Sometimes, in the rush of daily life, we feel pressured to finish our tasks. I grew up in a society that values a strong work ethic and goal orientation, and these qualities help us achieve our goals. But even with good intentions, if we skip peace, rest, and gratitude to God for giving us wisdom, strength, and the ability to do all things, it can become what one writer calls a double weakness.

So, what exactly did he mean? I think the ethic of pushing forward and completing our purposes, while good, can easily become negative.  When we refuse to set aside time to stand still, rest, and give God the glory for all He has done for us and continues to do through us, we lean more toward self-reliance. But take note, an over-reliance on our own personal strength, if left unchecked, becomes a major liability that can soon lead to a fall. 

God has instructed us to rest and reflect on His goodness from the creation of the world- Genesis 2:2-3 states: “And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.”

He instituted the Sabbath and sanctified it- it was to be holy and set apart from all others-a time not only for physical rest, but a renewal in the spirit, remembering and being thankful for all the innumerable blessings that come only from God. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17.

And while I can imagine you’re more than thankful for all that God has done. Yet, you push on without stopping to take a breath, moving to the next thing on your list for the Lord, the next lost person, or the next building project. And did you really stop at the completion of the very first item on your list to properly give thanks to God for giving you all the wisdom, strength, and grace that you needed to accomplish His will on that project?

Consider the account of Martha and Mary, who were Lazarus’ sisters, in Luke 10. Jesus visits their home, Martha was busy preparing a meal for the Lord, and Mary sat at his feet. Martha was livid to say the least that Mary was not busy helping…but what did Jesus say to her in a loving manner about her sister desiring to sit at his feet?  “And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42. The key is spiritual first, then physical!

Let us take the time to slow down, stop, and focus our attention on just basking in the presence of the Lord, showing our gratitude and dependence on Him. Because if we don’t stop, we might just fall apart. Then, how useful are we in ministry? We can never allow the enemy to turn our strengths into weaknesses; we must put first things first. To God belongs all the glory!

“Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalm 107: 8-9.