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

From my perspective, God’s provision has always meant God’s ability to create opportunity, to facilitate a path through challenge, and to speak loudly when I needed guidance.  I have never imagined this provision to be work, hard work and lots of it.  Yes, I have been grateful to secure jobs or to be accepted for certain positions, but the subsequent work?  Well, if I’m being honest, I could do without.

A few weeks ago, I was dragging through a week with endless projects and tasks.  I was staring down the barrel of a weekend that would simply be an extension of the work week.  Envy filled my heart as I listened to a colleague go on and on about her plans for a weekend of travel and rest.  I couldn’t shake Luke 12:48 from my mind (“…and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.”) but I reflected on it with bitterness more than with gratitude.  How could more responsibility be the reward for an already overwhelming load?

I may be in Johannesburg, South Africa, 8,000 miles from Richmond’s West End, but I can vouch for the similarities in attitude between our suburbs.  We are all keen (a great South African term!) to take on a lot and to have a lot to complain about having taken on.  Yet, Moses’ prayer in Psalm 90 reminds us that work is a manifestation of God’s favor and that work is tied directly to God’s purpose for us in God’s Kingdom.

I am determined not to think, hope, wish, or pray for a lessening of the load.  Instead, I am praying to be better equipped to do the work God has deliberately set before me.  I hope you’ll join me.