Creation in Obedience

Reference: Genesis 1

God created the earth and everything in it. He spoke life into existence, and also by his voice do all things produce fruit. The earth obeys God; it is not greater than he. We see this in God’s sovereignty, not just in creation, but all throughout Scripture (1 John 4:4).

Notice how God chooses not to command anything on the Sabbath day. No matter how holy or good our work is, we cannot let our work be the focus of our lives. God must always be first, our sole source, every day. He is our creator and he is the one who breathes life into our lungs. He deserves to be, and longs to be, our greatest relationship and our greatest pursuit in life.

So why do we take the Sabbath? Not just for a religious practice, but to slow down and spend time with God. To hear him more clearly. To refresh our souls with his love and grace and goodness.

We can learn a lot from the intentional sequence in which God created the world. We see this throughout Genesis 1. And as God’s children, we want to be imitators of him and follow his higher ways. When following God and starting a new thing, we must:

1. Let God speak into our lives

If we don’t let God direct us, we can’t obey him. We can’t follow what we aren’t directed to do.

2. Obey him

If we don’t obey God, we can’t bear fruit from whatever we do; we labor in vain.

3. Produce fruit from our work

4. Rest

After we produce fruit, we rest. If we don’t rest, we burn out. And it’s so clear. God didn’t even overwork himself for this reason. And after we rest, we let God speak into our lives and give us new direction to keep going.

Personally, I struggle with resting. I’m able to schedule my rest time, but often have trouble sitting still. I’m learning that God wants us to rest and receive from him, even when it’s hard. I’m learning that surrender is a key component to being successful, giving up control to the One who directs my work. When God ordains an assignment, I find that the process is so much easier and faster than when I try to strive and do it all on my own. I am no longer over-working myself because I trust that God will give me the time, resources, and means of fulfilling all he asks of me. I no longer labor in vain, but in partnership with God.

Reflect: Where are you in this process with God’s calling on your life? What season are you in?

What has been the motivation behind your work – is it simply for income, or do you tend to view your work as the Lord’s?

What practical steps can you take this week to invite God into your work and your rest?