Phil 1:22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me….
This section of Philippians popped up in two separate readings today. The Advent devotional from my church asked the questions: What is fruitful labor for you? How do you know it is fruitful? The little smug side of me thought: I’ve got this. Fruitful labor is writing these devo reflections every morning and being deemed a successful (read “good”) teacher. But the part of me that’s struggling so right now begged me to explore this idea further.
Habakkuk 3:17-18 Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord.
I want to define myself in terms of my Savior, in terms of my relationship with Him, in terms of my praise and faithfulness, regardless of my circumstances. That means rejoicing in the LORD always, even when I’m slogging through the slimy pits of life, even when I feel low and unworthy and distant. Fruitful labor would be rejoicing in Him, always, instead of wallowing in my circumstances. Jesus, Help me.
Isaiah 43:19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness….
Lord, Thank You for this day and for this idea if fruitful labor. Thank You for the strides I’ve made in rejoicing always and for the knowledge that I still have work to do. Thank You for the assurance that You are with me, making a way, even when I can’t yet perceive it. Draw me closer. Let Your praise be ever on my lips. Amen.
Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the LORD always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.