Psalm 138:8

⁸ Do not forsake the works of Your hands.

Even for the most diligent and steadfast workman, there is an inherent need for rest.  It is a natural and vital part of what makes us human.  In the beginning God created man to need, not only nightly rest from daily toil, but it was woven into our very nature to rest our minds and bodies for one full day in seven.  Rest is often the most welcomed word in our daily routine.  Rest from work, rest from fear, rest from anxiety, rest from trouble.  We all need rest.  It is natural for the sewers hands to grow weary, the bankers mind to bog down with fatigue, and the farmers body to cry out for respite.  But there are also times when we become so overwhelmed, so discouraged or so indifferent that we not only rest from our work, we outright forsake it.  Sometimes all we can see when we look into the future is the endless toil of life.  Work, responsibility, obedience.  The never-ending demand for our time and attention can be overwhelming and outright exhausting, and it is in these moments that the frailty and shortcomings of our human nature are magnified.  The Psalmist was all too familiar with the shortcomings and weakness of his own flesh.  The trouble and toil of life was heavy on David’s heart and mind daily.  And yet, in the midst of these times of discouragement, he was strengthened by a very powerful and foundational promise from the Lord; God never grows weary with His work.  What is His work?  “We are the works of His hands” and there is not a moment that the Lord rests or forsakes this work.  We may grow weak, we may grow faint, but the Lord’s steadfastness and power never wain from one moment to the next!  You may be experiencing a time of struggle, doubt, difficulty; a time when giving up for a short time seems like the only option.  Dear Christian, the Lord is near, and He is not finished with His work in your life. You may be weak now, but He will revive you!  He will strengthen you!  Therefore, let us take our eyes off of the work, the struggle, and the toil, and place them back upon our Beautiful Savior.  Let us run to Him to seek the care, encouragement, and the rest that we need to be renewed in our body, mind and spirit.  May we join David in praying;   

⁷ Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me;
You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
And Your right hand will save me.
⁸ The Lord will accomplish what concerns me;
Your lovingkindness, O Lord, is everlasting;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor John