Open Devotional: The List Can Wait
Comprehensive Devotional Open To All Members
Ecclesiastes 9:11
New International Version
I have seen something else under the sun:
The race is not to the swift
or the battle to the strong,
nor does food come to the wise
or wealth to the brilliant
or favor to the learned;
but time and chance happen to them all.
There are numerous instances in the bible where rest and walking with God are clearly given as the principle requirement of the believer. Ecclesiastes 9:11 speaks to the understanding that there is no need to rush, hurry, nor compete with others. The wisdom of Solomon is the wisdom we need now more than ever. It was the wisdom that he desired above else and it was the wisdom that enabled him to grow into one of the most influential and wealthy men in the word.
The thought that slowing down and prioritizing one’s life around quiet and consistent growth vs joining the world’s mad dash to success could be the key to achieving true wealth is foreign. It’s so foreign that you may feel guilty for resting and simply observing the splendor of nature. You may have thought recently that if you don’t do it, then “...nobody else will”. This may be the unfortunate reality in your situation due to family circumstances, lack of support, and lack of appreciation from those around you.
However, your health and self-care are absolutely necessary. The race is not given to the swift and the race you’re in isn’t one that you can win against others. This race is a journey to grow and develop with God. The world has this one wrong. We are all in a race but the race is a press towards the mark of the high calling of God in Christ. (Philippians 3:14 KJV)
It’s easy to go full steam ahead into “get it done” mode. But what if you took the time to pause daily and assess where you are in the journey? To truly be still, focus your heart and mind on the splendor of God, and spend time with the Father so that you may be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Psalm 46:8-10 MSG, Romans 12:2)
In this moment, consider pausing and reflecting on the goodness of God. Take a moment to enjoy nature. Be still and breathe knowing that the minutes that tick by will never come back around again. Those few moments are gone almost before they start. Commit to resting and being still. Make the moments count. They matter and you do too.
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