He's got the whole world in His hands

He’s got the whole world in His hands

 

… put their hope in God, Who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. (1 Timothy 6:17)

 

 

I’m back to wondering about this “glory to God” thing. This single purpose. As I said yesterday, I get the part where prayer and bible reading and doing for others can all please God and make Him smile. But what about the times when I want to sit on the couch and read a fictional book, or just knit the hour (or two) away? Or go out with friends to a sports event? How does that fit into “pleasing to God” and bringing glory to His name? I’m more apt to feel guilty and selfish if I try to tie to two together. “Me” time. Separate from anything to do with God, right?

 

Well, I think we are wrong. Instead of all the doing, and the pressing agendas of more doing, for God, and for others, there needs to be some balance where we surrender, let go, and just believe in God. And His sovereign control over all things.

 

We don’t be needing to do all the work. In following Jesus’ example of living, there is time to step away from the crowds, from all that is pressing in around you. And He wasn’t always off praying all the time either. Remember the scene where He is on the shore cooking up fish for breakfast (John 21:9)? And then the disciples showed up and He invited them in. Now He could have been in prayer, or in some form of communion with the Father. Or He could just as easily have been just enjoying the sun, the sand, and the grilling of fish. This kind of enjoyment brings glory to God.

 

When you relax and do pleasurable things, or no-things, you are still bringing glory to God because you are setting aside all your worries and concerns and trusting Him, counting on Him to take care of all things. (Because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7)

 

So stop with the guilt. Stop all the do, do, doing. Bring balance into your Christian walk with some enjoyment and pleasure. After all, He’s got the whole world in His hands.