How To Have Faith in God

How To Have Faith In God

Having faith in God can be a challenging topic to think about because both the idea of ‘faith’ and the idea of ‘God’ are really big ideas. Just to avoid confusion, and to make it easier to talk about, let’s start with some basic definitions that wise people, from a variety of different traditions, agree on as being helpful.

Who is God? 

‘God’, among other things, is the being that represents the highest and best good you can possibly imagine.

In the Old Testament, God is revealed as the creator of all life.

The New Testament defines God in incredibly simple terms when it states that ‘God is love’. This love is seen clearly in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus as God offering redemption (restoration of relationship with himself) to everyone who wants it.

The Bible, in many other places, talks about God as the being who wants to make whole whatever is broken, the one who has your ultimate best interest at heart.

If you’re used to thinking of God as someone who’s angry and irritated with you the whole time, think again. This is not what is taught in the writings of the Bible or by the spiritual masters who have followed its teachings.

What is faith?

Faith is kind of a crazy idea because it’s so completely counterintuitive. It asks you to believe in the existence of things like goodness, truth and beauty. Faith asks you to have hope, and to believe in the power of love to overcome all the suffering and adversity that life will inevitably throw at you. Faith is the part of us that thinks in terms of possibility, in terms of things becoming better than they are.

Genuine faith is not unrealistic. It acknowledges the impossibility of achieving a perfect life or a perfect world, but it also celebrates the impulse that strives for perfection.

What does the Bible say about faith in God?

The Bible has a lot to say about faith in God. Some of the ideas found in the Bible about faith may be familiar, but others may not.

Let’s take a quick look at some of the big ideas about faith in God that show up in the Bible.

Faith in God is a way of seeing the world

The first thing the Bible says about faith in God is that there are basically two faith options, each of which represents a different worldview.

In I Corinthians, in the New Testament, there’s a verse that draws a distinction between having faith in human wisdom and faith that believes in the power of God.

“So that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” (I Cor. 2:5)

The intention behind this idea is not to denigrate the value of human achievement and understanding.

Rather, it highlights the difference between the limited perspective of what humans see and the big picture that God sees.

In a way, it’s also an idea that represents the collision of two different worlds: the world of spiritual reality and the world of physical reality. It’s the difference between that which can be perceived with the five senses, and that which can’t.

The implication in this verse is that choosing the perspective of faith in God is the perspective of limitless possibility.

Faith in God is transformative

Many scientific studies have been done which confirm the power of belief alone to effect change in the physical world. Jesus seemed to agree with this idea when he told his disciples that anyone with enough faith could move mountains, or when he himself healed people.

But faith in the Bible is not just about physical miracles!

In the book of James, the author talks about faith as an agent of character transformation. Not just faith generally, but faith in the midst of life with all its challenges – in spite of its challenges.

James says that having your faith challenged by difficulties in life develops something called perseverance (not giving up). And perseverance, if you hang in there, according to James, can make you mature, complete, not lacking in anything!

According to James, faith has the power to transform you into a person of strength, a person of character.

Faith in God can save you

Who knows exactly all of the different ways we need saving. We certainly need saving from ourselves, at the very least.

Experts in psychology agree that the number of different compulsions, obsessions and addictions to which we are all, in varying degrees, subject, is no small thing.

The Bible talks a lot about the different disintegrative behaviors we can manifest and how those behaviors cause fractures within ourselves, between ourselves and other people, and between us and God.

The Bible uses the word ‘sin’ as a way to describe the sickness and brokenness of all human beings. Our desperate need of salvation and healing.

The antidote to all this disintegration and brokenness? Faith in God through Jesus Christ.

In another place in the New Testament, the author says that ‘It is by grace you have been saved through faith……..this is the gift of God.’

Conclusion

In conclusion, the way to have faith in God is to choose a way of seeing the world.

It’s to choose a path of belief in possibility, not limitation.

Faith is to choose integration, not disintegration.

It is a movement toward wholeness and away from brokenness.

This happens when you choose to place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ to reconnect with God.

First steps to have faith in God

1. Make the choice to begin the journey!

2. Read through the Gospel of John in the New Testament. It’s a great place to begin understanding what faith in God is all about!

Be Still

Be Still

“As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!””

Mark 4:35-41 NLT

When reading the passage of Scripture where Jesus calms the waves, it comes alive as a visual in my head. I can just see the disciples in that moment. Frantic. Terrified. Overcome with anxiety. They are in the midst of a storm with no escape. And Jesus was in the back of the boat asleep. How nonchalant. 

As they are no doubt scrambling to do all they can to keep the boat from sinking, their fear gives way to frustration (and maybe a tinge of sarcasm) as they yelled, “Don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” to their sleeping beauty of a rabbi. And then, just as calmly as he was sleeping, with great authority, he demands the winds and waves to be still. And just like that, the seas were calm. 

Instantaneous peace. 

Is this not a perfect representation of how we can get so consumed with the storm of life that we miss the peace that’s within our reach? When we are in the midst of a struggle, hardship, or just plain worried about x,y,z – we can so easily get overwhelmed. We can find ourselves in a ‘can’t see the forest for the trees’ type of moment. I can get so distracted by the what if’s and the could be’s that I spiral into thinking of the worst possible scenario. And if I allow my mind to stay there, well, my friend, it can get dark and hopeless REAL quick. 

But God – who is faithful to His Word – can be found even there, in the dark and hopeless moments. In the season of anxiety. He can be found when we’re angry or frustrated about the state of our lives. When we aren’t sure what to do next because our buckets are overflowing. Our boat is sinking, or at least it feels like it. In these moments, an authoritative “peace, be still” from Jesus can calm the raging storm. Maybe it doesn’t change our circumstances , but it can change our hearts. It can shift our perspective. 

Let’s take a look at a couple additional places in the Bible where the phrase “be still” can be found:

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!  A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts! The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world. He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. ”

Psalms 46:1-11 NLT

“Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.”

Psalms 37:1-7 NLT

As we read these particular passages, they are all about reminding us to remember who God is. In moments where we need to be reminded of who He is, I believe it’s critical that we recognize that God is faithful. 

“Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.”

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 NLT

“Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

1 Corinthians 1:7-9 NLT

“He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!”

Deuteronomy 32:4 NLT

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.”

Psalms 107:1 NLT

He has carried you through thus far, and His character can be counted upon. He is true to His Word. The Lord is faithful. His faithful love, His unending love – it will not fail. It will not fall short.   Be still, and find comfort in His faithful love. Ask God to show you a moment of clarity in the storm; a moment of stillness and calm. Below is a great song to listen to as you take a moment to be still.   

I AM THEY

All Along Lyrics

Be still and know

The hands that formed your heart

Won’t let you go, wont let you fall apart

You’ve never been abandoned, stranded

Or left out on your own

Turn around and open your eyes

And you’ll find

You’ve never been alone

All along

Even when your heart was barely holding on

When sorrow tried to drown your song

I heard you, held you

When your fear convinced you I was gone

My child, I was with you all along

Be still and trust

No storm can break inside

My arms of love have carried your whole life

You’ve never been abandoned, stranded 

Or left out on your own

Turn around and open your eyes

And you’ll find

You’ve never been alone

All along

Even when your heart was barely holding on

When sorrow tried to drown your song

I heard you, held you

When your fear convinced you I was gone

My child, I was with you all along

I want you to know that I am for you

To know that I adore you

To know that I will never let you go

I want you to know that I am for you

To know that I adore you

To know that I will never let you go

All along

Even when your heart was barely holding on

When sorrow tried to drown your song

I heard you, held you

When your fear convinced you I was gone

My child, I was with you all along

I was with you all along

I was with you all along

courage

Courage is the “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear or difficulty”.

Sometimes it is difficult to have courage. It’s difficult to face fear with boldness. It’s difficult to walk into the unknown with strength and tenacity. Persevering and withstanding uncomfortable unknowns is a daunting task. 

The Bible shows us many examples of people who were courageous in their pursuit of what God called them to do. Let’s look at one instance in Joshua 1:9.

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 NLT

In this portion of Scripture, God was speaking to Joshua. He was calling Joshua to fill the shoes of his predecessor, Moses. God told Joshua that he was to lead the people of Israel into the places God had promised their ancestors. Talk about a tall order! But God did not just tell Joshua to lead in Moses’ stead without direction. He was given instructions by Moses and God promised to be with Joshua every step of the way. “I will not fail you or abandon you,” he says in Joshua 1:5.

Joshua was walking into an unknown future. One with potential danger, difficulty and he was likely afraid. However, God continually reminds Joshua that He is can be trusted to protect and guide. Let’s take a look at other scriptures where God reminds us of His character when it comes to fear or facing difficult situations.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

2 Timothy 1:7 NLT

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”

Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT

“But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?”

Psalms 56:3-4 NLT

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

“See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.””

Isaiah 12:2 NLT

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.””

Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT

“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.”

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NLT

“So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!”

Psalms 31:24 NLT

“I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.”

Psalms 16:8 NLT

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10 NLT

Esther’s story is another of courage in the face of the unknown. Esther stood for her people, despite the potential of great backlash during the time. She was appointed queen, though her heritage was kept a secret. When her people were threatened with death, she approached the king to request that she and her people be spared. This act alone required great courage.

In such times, the mere act of appearing before the king uninvited could result in death. Yet she found favor with the king and in the end, she was granted the request to save her people. The king even went on to be viewed as “very great among the Jews, who held him in high esteem, because he continued to work for the good of his people and to speak up for the welfare of all their descendants.” (Esther 10:3 NLT). 

Esther’s courage to stand up for her people was quite literally a life-or-death scenario. Esther’s uncle asked her, “If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14 NLT). We may not find ourselves in quite the same shoes as Esther did, however, the same question can be posed: What in your life could you have been selected by God for ‘such a time’ to accomplish or pursue? Is there something that God has spoken to you or guided you in the direction of that seems daunting? How can you find the courage to withstand the fear or difficulty ahead?

David is a third example of following God’s lead with courage. He often writes of courage in the Psalms. David’s experiences led to him viewing the Lord as his strength, protection, and shelter. As a shepherd, he relied on the strength God had given him to ward off predators of his flock of sheep. As a young man, when he faced Goliath, he relied on the Lord for victory. When he was leading his troops or on the run from King Saul, David relied on God for protection and shelter. Psalm 27 is a great study in finding courage and relying on the Lord.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? 

The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? 

When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, 

they will stumble and fall. 

Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. 

Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. 

The one thing I ask of the Lord

— the thing I seek most— 

is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, 

delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. 

For he will conceal me there when troubles come; 

he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. 

Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. 

At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, 

singing and praising the Lord with music. 

Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! 

My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” 

And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” 

Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. 

You have always been my helper. 

Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me, O God of my salvation! 

Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close. 

Teach me how to live, O Lord. 

Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me. 

Do not let me fall into their hands. 

For they accuse me of things I’ve never done; 

with every breath they threaten me with violence. 

Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. 

Wait patiently for the Lord. 

Be brave and courageous. 

Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”

Psalms 27:1-14 NLT

As we reflect on the stories of courage from those in the Bible, it is easy to downplay how these could apply to our lives today. Maybe you aren’t in a life-or-death moment requiring courage. Still, there is very likely something that you are facing that is daunting. It could be a change at your job that is dangerous to your livelihood. Maybe you need to have a challenging conversation with a loved one and you’re afraid of their response. Perhaps your season of life is difficult and you are lacking in community. Ask the Lord to instill courage for the response He is guiding you towards. Meditate on the scriptures in this post, spend time praying and listening to God, and move forward in what God is calling you to do. 

“I’m angry with God, what do I do?”

What to do when you’re angry with God

Being angry with God is something most Christians experience at some point in their lives. Even though life is an amazing gift, and something to be celebrated, there are seasons of pain, difficulty and disappointment for everyone. For those of us who have placed our trust in God and are on a journey of faith, there is an often unspoken assumption that things will always go well. When an unexpected difficulty arises, it can leave us wondering where God went. Isn’t he supposed to have our back? Did he take the day off?

Anger with God is normal

It’s the rare believer who can say they’ve never been angry with God. As much as we might not like to admit it, most of us have been periodically unhappy with God and the way our lives have gone. If you’re feeling angry with God, you’re not alone.

How do I know if I’m feeling anger towards God

We usually think of anger as one emotion that’s always experienced in the same way. But it might be helpful to think of anger as having a few different faces.

Disappointment with God

The most mild form of anger is disappointment. We usually don’t connect the two because disappointment feels more like sadness, but anger often begins with a sense of betrayal and the disappointment that follows.

Impatience with God

Feeling impatient or cranky is a great clue that lets us know anger is hiding just beneath the surface. When God seems to be ignoring our prayers, or taking too long to answer, we can quickly become impatient and angry with God.

What does the Bible say about anger

One of the most famous Bible verses about anger is Ephesians 4:26, “ Be angry, but do not let your anger lead you into sin, don’t let the sun go down on your anger.” There are a few important things to notice in this verse.

God is ok with your anger

The first thing to notice is that God isn’t upset at you for being angry. Not even for being angry with him. This verse affirms that anger is a normal human response to any perceived injustice. Anger, in and of itself, is not a sin. It’s the way we respond to our anger that really matters, what we say or do as a result of our anger.

Being angry with God is a process

The second part of Ephesians 4:26 is a beautiful metaphor for the idea that emotions should not be suppressed. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have self-control in the way we express emotion, just that we shouldn’t ignore it. ‘Don’t let the sun go down on your anger’, let’s us know that it’s good and healthy to take the time to face our anger and process it, but also that the process shouldn’t go on indefinitely.

How to process anger

Processing anger in a healthy way can be a tricky thing to figure out. Venting our anger with no restraint can make life miserable for everyone around us. While suppressing anger can be damaging in other ways. Most experts agree that being able to articulate what we’re angry about, whether verbally or in writing, is an effective way to move through the process of being angry, towards a place of greater acceptance and peace.

Gratitude as an antidote to anger with God

Anger is an incredibly powerful emotion because it’s so strongly tied to a perceived sense of injustice. The intensity of this emotion can quickly lead to an obsession with the unfairness of the difficulty we’re experiencing. Left unchecked, it can take over our thoughts and color our entire life experience in a negative light. One practice that really helps to keep our anger in perspective is the practice of gratitude. Daily verbalizing or writing down the things we’re grateful for, while also acknowledging the things we’re angry about, helps us remember that along with the bad, there is also good.

Anger with God as an agent of transformation

Even though anger towards God is a natural human response for believers who are suffering, the journey of faith asks us to eventually move through our anger and arrive again at a place of acceptance and trust. It’s completely normal to feel disappointment and even anger at God when difficulty and suffering come our way, but what is offered us through the suffering is the possibility of a transformative process that leads us even closer to God.

The book of James, in the new testament, expresses this beautifully. “Consider it pure joy….,whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

What Does The Bible Say About Work?

According to a 2007 study, the average person spends a third of their life at work. And when you factor in other types of work – cleaning the house, taking care of children, or working on a passion project – well, the large majority of our lives are spent working! 

 

So what does the Bible have to say about work?

 

The Bible mentions work frequently, and there are a few general themes.

 

First, humans are designed by God to work! It’s part of our DNA. When we do what we’re made to do, we glorify God. 

 

Second, we are called to do our work with excellence and diligence – even if we don’t like the job or our boss! 

 

And finally, we are called to keep our focus on God while we work. It can be easy to lose perspective on what’s important in the race for achievement, financial gain, status, or other career goals. However, as Christians, our first priority is always to love God and love other people! 

 

What career am I called to?

 

The Bible actually doesn’t instruct us on what specific career we’re called to. Nor does it provide a clear road map on how to figure it out. This is something that each person needs to discern with God’s help. 

 

It may come as a shocker, but some of us might not even be called to any specific career! Rather, we are called to glorify God in our work whatever and wherever that may be.

 

Although the Bible doesn’t tell us what work to do, it does provide guidelines for how to think about and go about our work. 

 

Check out these 10 Bible verses on work…

 

10 Bible verses about work

 

Genesis 2:15

 

The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

 

Right from the beginning, God had Adam and Eve working in the Garden of Eden. Some of us imagine there will be no work in heaven, and admittedly work can be very unpleasant at times! But Genesis tells us that God assigned work to humans from the very beginning. Work is good, and it’s part of what we’re made to do!

 

Psalm 90:17

 

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands.

 

Ultimately, God is the one who brings success to our endeavors. He enables us to work, and He works all things for our good! The belief that we have to do it all on our own always leads to frustration and burn out. 

 

Proverbs 12:11

 

Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.

 

The Bible encourages us to be smart and practical about how we work. We should avoid get-rich-quick schemes or fantasies about fame, power, and wealth. If we spend too much time dreaming, we will never get down to the business of actually working! 

 

Proverbs 18:9

 

One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.

 

As Christians, we are called to do our work with focus, excellence, and attention to detail. We should be trustworthy and responsible. Proverbs says that being lazy in your work is similar to intentionally destroying things! 

 

Luke 10:40-42

 

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 

 

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

 

In this famous gospel story, Jesus warns against making an idol of work. Anything that becomes more important than God is an idol. Martha was in the room with Jesus, but all she could think about was what needed to be done. As followers of Jesus, our attention should always be on Him. As we spend more time with Him, we will begin to recognize what He’s asking us to do in each moment. 

 

John 5:17

 

In his defense Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” 

 

Jesus said that the Father always works, which tells us that work is important to God! In Genesis 1 we see that God worked to create the heavens and the earth. Since we are made in God’s image, work is integral to our purpose! 

 

Colossians 3:23

 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…

 

Paul tells us that regardless of who is boss over us, we are ultimately working for God. We should strive to honor God with the heart-attitude that we approach work with. Of course, this can be difficult if you have a bad boss! Nonetheless, God asks us to serve with love and grace. We get to shift the atmosphere at our workplaces by acting like Jesus. 

 

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

 

…make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

 

In our work, we are called to be humble and not flashy. As much as possible, we should work to take care of ourselves so that we can serve and give to others rather than depend on others.

 

John 6:27

 

Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.

 

Again, Jesus warns against wrong priorities here. It is so easy to focus on physical needs and money, but these things should never distract us from the work of loving God and loving the people around us. When we focus too much on physical needs, it’s often because we are afraid of not having enough. Jesus tells us elsewhere (Matthew 6:25-34) that God will provide for all of our needs. When we trust God on this, we are free to do the work of the kingdom – to spread the good news of God’s love to others around us. 

 

Hebrew 4:9-10

 

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.

 

Finally, the Bible tells us that humans aren’t made to work 24/7. We are also created for rest. It’s often in rest that we connect with God and get recharged to go out and work again. Periods of rest allow us to return to work with love rather than frustration and complaining. 

 

How do you approach work?

 

Since work is such a big part of our lives, it makes sense to pay attention to how we approach it. How do you approach your work?

 

As followers of Jesus, we are called to glorify God with our work and to do it with excellence. We are also called to rest regularly and to prioritize our relationship with God over work.

 

Did any of the above verses stand out to you? Try memorizing one as a reminder for the next time you’re tempted to work in a way that doesn’t glorify God! If you’re like most of us, it won’t be long before you need it…