LIVING IN THE GOODNESS OF GOD
RELAXING IN GOD’S GOODNESS PART I

January 16, 2022

“The Lord is my Shepherd, so I have everything I need. He makes me lie down in green pastures, and he leads me beside quiet water.” Psalm 23:1-2

THESE IMAGES REPRESENT: REST & REFRESMENT
WHY DO PEOPLE OVERWORK & NOT GET ENOUGH REST?

1. Misplaced identity: basing my worth on my work.
“Only someone too foolish to find his way home would wear himself out with work!” Ecclesiastes 10:15 (TEV)

2. Materialism: Always wanting more things
“Do not wear yourself out trying to get rich; Have the wisdom to show some restraint! Your money can be gone in a flash as if it had grown wings and flown away like an eagle!” Proverbs 23:4-5 (NIV/TEV)

3. Envy: Wanting to be like others.
“I’ve learned why people work so hard to succeed; it is because they envy the things their neighbors have.” Ecclesiastes 4:4a (TEV)

4. Valuing achievement over relationships.
“Here’s another thing I’ve seen on earth that makes no sense: Some people don’t have any kids or family or even friends, yet they work obsessively, never taking a break. There’s no end to their toil and they’re never content with what they’ve done or earned. They never ask, ‘Why am I always working to do more?’ And ‘Why don’t I let myself enjoy life?’ And ‘Who cares? Who will get what I leave behind?’ What a senseless and miserable way to live! You’re better off having someone to enjoy and share the rewards of your work.” Ecclesiastes 4:7-9 (MSG/CEV)

5. Insecurity: When I’m afraid I won’t have enough.
“We work to feed our appetites, but meanwhile our souls go hungry.” Ecclesiastes 6:7 (MSG)
“It is senseless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, fearing and worrying that you won’t have enough, for God wants his loved ones to get their proper rest.” Psalm 127:2 (LB)