October 6

Glad for Today?

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.” (Proverbs 16:3-4)

What do you think of when you hear the word “work?” Those who are employed will think of their occupations or careers. CEOs, CFOs, and business owners may immediately think of life in general if they spend most of their time working. Retirees may say, “I’m finished with that, no more work for me!” with great glee. Some thoughts may immediately go to things that need to be done today, preparation for events, errands, or commitments we have made to others. Let’s face it, as long as we are alive here on earth, there is work to be done. But does this work satisfy or burden us? Is it enjoyable or a cause of regret and bitterness? Does our work tire us out or energize us? Are we satisfied with our work and the time we spend doing it?

If we are to learn how to have contentment in this world we must consider the role of work in our lives. Our passage begins with the idea that we dedicate our work to God—we devote our plans to him, and we seek his glory as we labor. But it’s an uneasy thing to catch myself fully occupied and realize that I may be trying to “do something good” in ministry for someone, but am not sure if it’s what the Lord would have me do. We’re not always sure, are we? But God knows our hearts and knows if we truly are seeking his will, rather than our success or material pursuits. And working to support a family in a productive vocation glorifies God who, as the first cause, has created your family.

This day—Saturday, October 6, 2018—has never occurred before and will never exist again. The Lord has particular purposes for today, even as we go about our ordinary business. However, there is nothing ordinary about being content and emboldened by the knowledge of God’s providence. Everyone we meet today may benefit in some way from our faith in God’s sovereign purpose for the day. Even the wicked who may scoff at biblical truth have a role to play in God’s plan for today. Like the prodigal son of Luke 15, we pray that they may realize their error and turn back to the Father. But, like the prodigal, they may first have to be miserable in their sin. It is not our work to save the lost, only our privilege to share the possibility and pray that the Spirit may turn them to Christ. “Commit the business of the salvation of thy soul, and the important affairs of it, wholly to him, who is able, willing, and faithful, to keep what is committed to him; having so done, may sit down easy and satisfied, as one that is rid of a burden by casting it on another, better able to bear it, or more equal to the work committed to him” *

“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalms 118:24) Are you glad for today, and rejoicing in it?

* John Gill’s Exposition on the Whole Bible,https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/geb/proverbs-16.html