[Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Find and do good work this year

Read: PROVERBS 6:6-11

Meditation verse:

“How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep?” (Proverbs 6:9).

Work existed from the beginning of creation. When God created Adam, He put him in the garden of Eden to till and take care of. So, the first man was a landscaper. After the flood, Noah became a farmer, and he planted a vineyard. Abraham was a successful rancher and herdsman, raising livestock and farming the land. Isaac, his son followed in his footsteps to become a successful farmer and shepherd. David was a shepherd. Paul the Apostle worked as a tentmaker, not wanting to be a burden to the people he preached to. Even our Lord Jesus Christ, whilst on earth worked with his father Joseph, as a carpenter.

Hard work is honourable and well pleasing to God. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 says, “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies”. Ecclesiastes 11:6 says, “In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good”. 1 Thessalonians 4:11 -12 says, “that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing”. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going”.

The work that you do is the primary way to meet your needs. In addition, work has some latent functions which include providing you with status, social contact, collective purpose, time structure and activities to engage in, each day you wake up. If you are currently not engaged in any meaningful venture, Proverbs 6:6-11 has some words of advice for you: – “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise. Which, having no captain, overseer, or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest. How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep- so shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man”. So, work.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).

For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

or call +2348155525555

For more enquiries, visit: www.rockteachingministry.org.