Hey Church!

The Lord’s voice calls to us, saying, “[I am] good to those who wait for [me], to the soul who seeks [me]” (Lamentations 3:25). But you and I live in a culture that values individuals for what they can do more than for who they are, in which the voice of the Lord is so easily drowned out by noise from the engine of productivity. We assess whether we had a good day by comparing our completed tasks with what was left undone. We might leave our work at the office when we go home in the afternoon, but it’s hard to dismiss the voice of achievement. It follows us to the car, sits with us in traffic, preoccupies our attention at home, at times to the neglect of family and even personal health, as it lies down with us in bed and robs us of restful sleep. With its high value on success, our busy culture whispers to us day and night “I am good to those who tirelessly work for me, to the soul who seeks me.”

Yes, the Lord delights in the one who conducts his work with diligence. He tells us that a wise man is faithful in his labors and will receive the master’s blessing, but a fool folds his hands in slumber while there is work to be done and is destined to have poverty and want overcome him (see Proverbs 6:6-11). There’s no question that we should make the most of every day and do all things for God’s glory. However, while on the path of productivity and achievement, we must vigilantly watch for ambushes from our Enemy, Pride. He will use every weapon in his arsenal to confuse God’s glory with our own. His voice is like the Sirens in Homer’s Odyssey, enticing us to depart from the Way and set a course toward selfish advantage.

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!” (Psalm 37:7)

O my soul, be so attuned to the Word of God as to be rendered deaf to Pride’s song. Humble yourself, for He can do more in your waiting than you could do by prideful effort. Keep the lamp of His Word within your heart always filled with oil, and let all your work illumine the way of salvation for those who dwell in darkness.

Consider these things as you prepare for worship this weekend.