We are nearing the end of the Proverbs 31 study. As I read today's verse, I was encouraged to hear the words "Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all." I saw the Lord rejoicing over me. I am the person who always finds one more thing to do or one more thing to work on. Today, this verse reminded me I have peace with God through Jesus Christ.
This is a great description of the Sabbath. I can rest from all my labors as I have peace with God through Jesus Christ. I have been contemplating the Sabbath for years. It is not just a ceasing from activity or work. It is taking delight and love in God and what He has made and done. It is a peace without striving. It is a day of rejoicing. It is more than a physical or mental rest. It is not just a "vacation". It is an abiding. It is trusting God takes care of us and protects us.
I do think of the final rest. In Matthew 25:23 - His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
I also think of Proverbs 22:29 - Do you see a man skilled (who excels) in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men. The word excels in Proverbs 22:29 has been translated as diligent, skilled, efficient and competent. We are to be faithful and diligent in the things God gives us to do. However in all things we need to be reminded that what we have is from Him. We can not do anything apart from Him. It is not just His strength and His power that we obtain. We have Him. It is about Him and not what we can do. We need a deep abiding and remaining in Him.
This abiding in Him has been producing a peace in me. A peace that does not just exist in good circumstances but is especially there in hard circumstances. The application for me is to keep leaning on Him and learning about Him being Lord of the Sabbath and to be at rest and peace in Him.
