SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1193

“Establish Our Work”

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands. – Psalm 90:17 (NIV)

I recently started a new business in my retirement and for the first time in my 60 years of work life I have come to a deeper understanding of what it means to work for the Lord.

 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men – Colossians 3:23

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31

In working for ‘Corporate America’ most of my work life it was too easy to see the ‘hand of my employer’ providing my needs instead of the hand of God my Father despite knowing the Scriptures to the contrary. Even while self-employed for a season, my tendency was to rely on my resources and abilities to establish the business instead of fully relying on God.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. – Philippians 4:19; Psalm 145:16

Oh yes, the struggle continues: this war between the flesh and the spirit. The economy is shaky, inflation is rampant, the war in the Ukraine, the persistent coronavirus. These pressures all add up to shake our faith and our confidence in the Lord and in the Truth of His Word. We have to realize that these negative thoughts are from the enemy, and we defeat him through the Truth of God’s Word in prayer. There is no reason to fear and lose confidence.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. – Isaiah 41:10; Proverbs 3:26

The Lord gave us this devotional’s reference Scripture from Psalms 90:17 to pray over our new business venture. The word translated ‘favor’ means the beauty, pleasantness, and delightfulness of the Lord. The prayer is for this favor to be upon us, and it brings us peace – His peace during the challenging aspects of the work as well as these challenging times we live in.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. – Philippians 4:6

The word translated ‘establish’ means to be firm and solid like a house built on a rock. The prayer is for the Lord to make firm the work of our hands not only for us but also for those whom we serve.

From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man’s hand comes back to him. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. – Proverbs 12:14; Matthew 5:16

May the favor of the Lord rest upon you and establish the work of your hands for you and for those for whom you work and serve in His Name and for His glory.