Why? | Hebrews 4

Welcome to Real Life. Why do we do what we do?


Praca nie je zajac. Neutekuje.
Work is not a rabbit. It will not run away!
–Slovak Proverb

I am always busy. There is much I want to do and feel I need to do. “Why?” I sensed God’s Spirit whisper when I finally slowed down to spend time in his Word today. I try to seek God early. Because once I get moving, it’s hard to stop and quiet my heart before him. That is exactly what happened today. I did a hundred little things before I finally sat down and opened my Bible at noon. When I did, I read this.

For the word of God is alive and active.
Sharper than any double-edged sword,
it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow;
it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.
Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
(Hebrews 4:12–13 NIV)

It’s no accident that on the day I delayed opening God’s Word, he reminded me of its importance. Though written thousands of years ago, God’s Word is incredibly powerful, alive, and active today. Because God is incredibly powerful, alive, and active today. God still speaks—quite loudly, in fact—to those who listen for his voice.
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”
Hebrews 3:7, 3:15, 4:7 (He repeats three times!)
God loves us with an everlasting love. And that’s why he is continually calling us to himself. Today, he spoke to me about the importance of his Word, the importance of taking time to listen to his heart.

And then, God's Spirit spoke to me about my heart. “Why, Peggi, are you so driven to produce, to accomplish, to strive for excellence?” He knows why. Everything about me, my heart and motives are laid bare before him. He asks the question so I will ponder the answer. Why do I write, clean, comment on social media, check work email, exercise?

Sorry, I don’t plan to spill all the secrets of my soul today. But if you read my blog, it’s no secret I struggle with perfectionism. I often feel that who I am and what I do is never quite good enough. This is one crucial reason I need to hear his voice today. For when we listen and obey, He invites us to enter His rest. Oh, do I want that! I need the deep soul rest of a heart at peace with God.

Today, if you hear my voice, Peggi. Come. Spend time with me in my Word. Listen to my heart. As you do, your heart and motives will be purified. It’s simple really. The purest motive is love.[1] I love you. I created you in my image. You are enough. I call you by name and choose you. Come enter my rest.

Do you need rest today, my friend? God's Spirit calls. Stop, open his Word, and listen. Work will always be there. Let his love purify your heart and make you whole. Today if you hear his voice, don’t harden your heart. Because God’s heart is tender towards you! 

Dearest Lord,
Thank you for calling us to yourself.
You see our hearts and our desires.
Purify them so that our desires match your desires,
And our hearts love like your heart.
And we enter your rest.
Lord Jesus, we want to be like you. Amen.


Take it further…
It’s Easter season. Love motivated God the Father to send his Son, Jesus Christ, to die on a cross for us. God loves you. He is for you. He is calling you to himself today. Learn more at www.needhim.org.

For God so loved the world
that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life.
(John 3:16 NIV)


[1] 1 Corinthians 13:1–3

Comments

  1. Love this message. Amen. Have a blessed day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Melissa,
      Thanks so much for taking the time to read and encouraging me with your comment! :)

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  2. I so appreciate this post. Like your Bible verse, it comes at a perfect time for me. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hooray! I love it when that happens. Thanks for telling me, Kelly. :)

      Delete
  3. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.
    Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
    Does this mean endless NetFlix binging? How many wasted moments and wasted opportunities from my lack of just not looking around and just staring at a screen.


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BTW --this is Amy--Big mama YaYa is my super hero alter ego!

      Delete
    2. Ha, ha! Yes, even NetFlix binging. ENDLESS binging is probably not good. But someone reminded me today that sometimes we need to just chill on the couch and relax. (So, as long as we're watching something Jesus could sit and watch with us, we're good!)

      Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Big Mama YaYa. Love that super-hero name!

      Delete

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