1 Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. 2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves. (Psalm 127:1-2, New International Version)
Theme: Rejoicing and Thanksgiving
Context:
Thanks to all who shared their favorite creation songs yesterday! They make a wonderful playlist for rejoicing and thanksgiving. As a quick reminder, next week will be our final week and we will focus on Jesus’ activities in the days leading up to his crucifixion.
Today, we close our deliberations on individual Disciplines by considering the Sabbath. For clarification, we are not advocating a legalistic approach to a day of worship. Instead, we seek to encourage the disciplined practice of resting and relying on God..
We have observed over the course of this year’s journey that we should rejoice and give thanks in all circumstances. So, we don’t need a break to rejoice and give thanks to God. However, the act of faith implicit in consistently observing a time of rest is itself a source of rejoicing and thanksgiving. The more we realize how much grace God supplies, the more willing we should be to stop, smell the proverbial roses, rejoice in God’s goodness, and give thanks. A verse and chorus from a beautiful hymn written by Annie Johnson Flint in the early 1900s reminds us why we can rest in God.
He Giveth More Grace
He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
Bible Passage:
Please study the Scripture passage above and consider the question below.
Question:
How does the comfort of rest in God impact your practice of rejoicing and thanksgiving?
Please leave a comment. We would love to hear from you.
March 31, 2023 at 6:55 am
Knowing that we can find comfort, peace, and rest in God is all the reason to rejoice and give God glory and gratitude.
March 31, 2023 at 7:11 am
When the troubles of life overcome me and I feel backed into a corner and I feel like I can’t take a breath my Savior is always there to bring relief and open up the airways for me to catch my breath. This relief/rest not only brings comfort but fortifies me, even if the issues are still there, and gives me added strength to bear it. This is reason for rejoicing and thanksgiving.
March 31, 2023 at 7:14 am
The only way I cope with Life’s challenges is to give Thanks continually,pray without ceasing.
This way I can rest and not chase after the mighty dollar.
March 31, 2023 at 8:06 am
Without resting on God’s comfort and without His grace, I don’t think I can handle alone all the stress and challenges of everyday life. Of course praying is one way I rest with God but I guess having a church with friends like a family to me whom I meet on Sundays , and even once or twice a week for bible study, and prayer/ fellowship time gives a great impact for my growth as a Christian. Here in Houston, grateful I’m in the prayer and bible study groups meeting consistently every Wednesday morning, and early Sunday morning before the service starts ( prayer group), and after the service would be the bible study and fellowship time. My way of resting with God is to talk to Him in prayer especially when I’m exhausted. Going to church on Sunday is like a battery charger for me. That way, I’m ready again to start my week after resting with Him on Sunday— singing, worshiping, praising, praying to God and studying His word. I always need to renew my strength as life can be very exhausting but as I rest with the Lord, I can rejoice, be thankful and live my life for His glory. Asking God to forgive me from my sins and allowing the Holy Spirit to reign in my life is also one way I can rest with the Lord , and be assured God is gracious enough to me when I fail and make mistakes. Sometimes beating myself too much when I know I fail the Lord is a challenge, a struggle for me to face, but as always I find myself resting on God and trusting His promises, helping me to eventually bounce back and enjoy again the fellowship I have with my Savior.