Because of His mercy…. (devo reflection)

Eph 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and thus is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God—not by works, so no one can boast.
I have a hard time relaxing. For me, it feels selfish, unproductive, wasteful. The irony is that I would tell everyone else about the importance of relaxing and nourishing your soul, but somehow that advice doesn’t apply to me. I truly don’t think it has always been that way.
Titus 3:4-5 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy….
It occurred to me yesterday that perhaps I have tied my own worth to my productivity. Therefore, if I am not being productive, I have no value, no worth. The controller in me can totally see that scenario as it is one more way for me to take control. If I am working, producing, doing, then I have value. Help me, Jesus.
1 Cor 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear….
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for opening my eyes to yet one more stronghold of control I have built. Thank You that my value, my worth comes from You and not from anything I could ever do. Help me to take an honest look at my inability to relax. Help me to see my worth, always, lies in the fact that I am Your deeply loved child and not in anything that I could ever do or produce. Draw me closer. Amen.
Romans 9:16 So then, it does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.
Have a blessed day.