Actively Doing Nothing
“Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life”. (Philippians 4:4-7, The Message)
In Philippians 4, the apostle Paul encourages the believers in Philippi to always rejoice in the Lord and be anxious for nothing. He reminds them to pray with thanksgiving and to focus their thoughts on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. Paul also acknowledges that he has learned to be content in all circumstances, whether well-fed or hungry, in plenty or want.
The life of a self-proclaimed workaholic transformed when she began dedicating her entire daily existence to God. She learned to let go of worries and concerns beyond her control, experiencing newfound peace of mind. Despite her strong work ethic, she also learned to set boundaries in her work and personal life.
Those close to her noticed a change in her life as she continued to excel professionally while making time for rest and family. When asked about her secret, she revealed that she makes multiple to-do lists, and before each day, she surrenders these lists to God and asks for help in managing tasks. She prioritizes spending time with family, building relationships with those God puts in their path, and actively engaging in rest. She calls these pockets of time in her day "Actively Doing Nothing”.
After she started to take time off, she experienced that she connected with her colleagues on a deeper level and noticed that they were more relaxed and open at work. As a result, conflicts decreased, and everyone started to appreciate each other more. This positive change led to increased productivity, as there was less tension. Her colleagues began to see her as an ally, helping them achieve their professional and personal goals.
For some, the idea of doing nothing can be daunting, especially for those who tend to overwork themselves. However, actively choosing to rest and relinquish control can be a conscious decision allowing one to have faith that trusts in God and have faith that everything will work out in the end.
Challenge
We challenge you to schedule a few "Actively Doing Nothing" moments this week. Ask God to take control of your days. Soon, you will see how those moments will fill your life with meaning!
Pray
Dear Lord, please help me to always let you take charge of my days. Amen.