KEY PRINCIPLES FROM THIS MESSAGE:
Two Different Futures – blog 8/22/26
Here’s what the Bible gives us. First, it begins with perspective. Although we are to work hard as unto the Lord at whatever our hands find to do (1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Thessalonians 3:12), we are to hand over the outcomes to the Lord, meaning we simply do our duty by working hard and leave the rest up to the Lord. This allows us to unplug our brains from the sources of stress we manage while at work. The key point is simple:
We mustn’t allow ourselves to be preoccupied with the future status of our work projects once our workday ends. We need to leave our work “at the office” and turn our attention to the blessings the Lord has given us to enjoy, for as long as we have them!
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
– Ecclesiastes 3:1
Our ability to rest depends upon our ability to hand over the reins to the Lord at the end of our workdays. He owns all outcomes, after all.
Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
– Psalm 127:1-2
I think a nice way to think about this is as a daily strategy where we strive to “be present” in the moment. If we’re working, then we dedicate ourselves to the task at hand. Likewise, if we’re done with our workday, then we dedicate ourselves to enjoying God’s blessings, leaving tomorrow up to the Lord, as Jesus once summarized, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself” (Matthew 6:34). This was Jesus’ way of saying, “Never forget that My Dad has the future under control – don’t you spend another moment today worrying about that – you just focus on being present, living in the ‘now’” (ref: Matthew 6:25-34)! Being present in the “now” implies several dimensions, only one of which is our work.
As it pertains to risks in life, our best “bet” is always to do as we are commanded and leave the outcomes up to God.
Never ruin the blessing of hope by imposing manmade timelines on God’s divine promises.
There are no guarantees in life (from man’s perspective), save one: God will do whatever He wants.
Being present is a function of a grace-mindset.
There ARE some guarantees in life, it turns out; however, they are typically not thought of on human terms. When God makes a promise, it is guaranteed; however, we mustn’t twist said promise to mean something it doesn’t.
If we want to enjoy maximum peace here on Earth when nothing is guaranteed, then the solution is simple: fear God and keep His commandments!
Patience is indicative of a grace-mindset.