From grind to glory

Many of us do things each day that are repetitive, part of the "daily grind" of life.

Job, home, school, and even hobbies drain people of their time and energy.

We get into routines, sometimes like programmed robots, to perform the tasks required in these realms.

Some enjoy always being busy.

"At least I know that I'm alive."

Others may wonder...

Why am I here?

What's my purpose?

Am I making any positive impact?

Am I merely existing?

What advantage does a person have in all his work which he does under the sun? Ecclesiastes 1:3

So, without much of a break from the day-to-day cycle of things that need to get done, it CAN become a grind.

How can this be changed into a glory, an honor, a blessing?

Can the daily grind be set apart, sanctified as holy, as a gift from God the Father?

In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Proverbs 14:23 

The lions roar while they hunt.

All their food comes from God.

The sun rises, and they slip away.

They return to their dens and lie down.

Then people get up and go to work.

They keep working until evening. Psalm 104:21-23

The big cats work. The humans work.

You people who don’t want to work, think about the ant!

Consider its ways and be wise!

It has no commander.

It has no leader or ruler.

But it stores up its food in summer.

It gathers its food at harvest time. Proverbs 6:6-8

After His resurrection from the dead, Matthew 28:5-7 the Lord Jesus Christ said,

"And you can be sure that I am always with you, to the very end." Matthew 28:20

So, He is with the believer always in our daily lives, even in the grind.

Paul wrote, 

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17

His name means His authority, character, and power.

We can work on the job and in our homes, and study as though it's done to Him and for Him. 1 Corinthians 15:58; Ephesians 6:7

We'll have to reframe our attitudes about the often boring and same old stuff, won't we?

Such as, 

Be renewed in the spirit of your mind. Ephesians 4:23

Paul said,

"I have coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " Acts 20:33-35

Paul wrote,

Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Ephesians 4:28

And do everything you can to live a quiet life. You should mind your own business. And work with your hands, just as we told you to. Then unbelievers will have respect for your everyday life. And you won’t have to depend on anyone. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

God the Father said,

"For six days you shall labor and do all your work." Exodus 20:9

SPIRITUAL WORK

Can seeking to grow spiritually become a grind?

Consider a short list of honorable activities --

Pray without ceasing. Matthew 6:5-6; 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Not forsaking the assembling together as some do but exhorting one another. Hebrews 10:25

Giving materially. Matthew 6:1-3; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:15-16

Not eating [fasting]. Matthew 6:17-18

Witnessing (sharing the good news about Jesus and His salvation John 3:16-17; 15:27) to both small and great. Acts 26:22

PRAYER FOR HELP

Jesus, our High Priest, Hebrews 3:1 is touched with the feeling of our weaknesses Hebrews 4:14-15 that include a feeling of "What's the point of it all?"

He's at the Father's right hand, praying for us. Romans 8:34

So, we can come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Even if this is a daily or hourly need, we could pray,

"Lord, please help me to see the reason for my duties and my life. Thank you."

We can also be wise to remember that Jesus can be joined to us and we to Him.

He said,

"Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Your thoughts?

R. Jason