Day 19

The Addictive Drug of Doing

Ps Belinda Varlow

Does it take you over 30 minutes to fall asleep 'cos your mind is racing?

Do you seek refuge in the bathroom because it's the only space you can be alone?

Do you get jealous when others are resting and enjoying their life?

In today's age, many of us are hooked on the addictive drug of 'doing'. Unlike other addictions, this one often gets applauded and even encouraged by some.

The Lord set a pattern in creation of six days to work, one day to rest. If God took time to stop, rest and enjoy the fruit of his work, why do I think I don't need to? 

Whilst Jewish believers saw Christ as the fulfilment of the Sabbath (rest from working for our salvation), they still practised this principle of rest and worshipping on their Sabbath. (Exodus 20:8) After Jesus was resurrected on the first day of the week, early church believers started to shift their gathering and celebrated the Lord's Supper together on a Sunday. 

Acts 20:7 NLT

On the first day of the week, we gathered with the local believers to share in the Lord's Supper. Paul was preaching to them, and since he was leaving the next day, he kept talking until midnight. 

Setting aside one day of the week to stop working, reading emails, doing housework, and focus on worshipping and serving God, resting, and having fun fellowshipping with family and friends has become an absolute gift to my life. The many benefits include spiritual, physical, social, mental and emotional.

But how will I get everything done, you ask? I was curious too, so I did a little investigating and discovered the Jews call the day before their sabbath 'Preparation day'. That's when they prepare, so they don't have to do any work the following day. 

What could you prepare beforehand so that you can set aside that one special day 'The Lord's Day, for Him, for your family and for your soul?

Prayer: 

Lord, I pray, set me free from the drug of 'doing' and help me to re-prioritise my life so that I may put you first. I trust you to take care of all that you have placed in my care while I honour you and rest. Amen.