You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace, for it is trusting in you.
Isaiah 26:3 (CSB)
Peace Over Productivity
by Becky Keife
Have you ever seen a hummingbird at rest? Even when she hovers over a flower, dipping her slender beak deep into the blossom for a nectar drink, even then her wings beat infinitely faster than my eyes can account for or my mind can understand. She is constantly in motion, zipping to and fro — a creature to catch in mere glimpses. Flashes of blurry beauty and intrigue.
But today she sits on a telephone wire, a black silhouette against the pale blue sky of early morning. So tiny upon the wire, she could be an oversized acorn or balancing leaf. It would be difficult to discern were it not for the occasional slow turning of her fragile head revealing that needle beak.
In this moment she is not striving. No flying or trying. Just being.
Is every creature given the gift of pause? Is every living thing led to rest, if under the Creator’s view alone?
I wake up early to steal a handful of quiet moments. There is email to check, a work task to attend to, and a Bible study lesson to complete for an upcoming meeting. I feel pressed on all sides and need productivity to triumph. I look up again from my messy desk, window facing west, and my wire friend is gone. But I gaze upon her empty spot and know — a deep knowing that I deeply need to know — that she is cared for as part of God’s precious creation. She is carried in the constant motion that will consume the remainder of her heart-wildly-beating, wings-frantically-fluttering day.
Her rest may be seldom, hidden. But she is not unseen. And I claim the truth again: It is worth putting aside my desire to be productive in order to take up the pen of paying attention.
We’re thankful for Becky’s timely words, and as you click the video to listen to her read her devotion, pause. Breathe deeply. Rest, just for a moment, and let God speak to your heart.
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Becky,
This world clamors for more of us-more doings, striving, productivity. Only then it thinks will we be able to have it all-the nice house, car, perfect job, good kids making great grades, etc. Is all our striving really necessary? Oh sure you might have more money-but is money worth all that? It will just make you a worn out woman. Worn out women have nothing left to give anyone-family, jobs, church or even themselves. God doesn’t ask us to strive and do. He simply wants us to be still & know that He is God. He is in control of this spinning universe. He longs for us to give Him our attention & time. Then He will supply all the energy we need to accomplish those tasks. Think on this: Jesus was busy here on Earth. He still took time to be alone with the Father to pray & rest. If He needed that then how much more do we need it? Bonnie Gray has a great book out called “Spiritual White Space.” In it she talks about putting margin in your life. Going over the to-do list & asking yourself what you can delegate, not worry about or do later. Make time for yourself & God. She has another book out called “Whispers of Rest: 40 days of God’s Love for your Soul.” She gives great ideas for taking care of yourself. If we don’t care for ourselves how can we expect to care for others? Women let’s take care of us by giving ourselves permission to stop & be with God for a while. Enjoy His creation-care for His wonderful creations-YOU!!
Blessings 🙂
Such good words, Beth. Thank you. I especially love the way you said this: “Women let’s take care of us by giving ourselves permission to stop & be with God for a while. Enjoy His creation-care for His wonderful creations-YOU!!” Amen. xx
Becky,
As I listened to you read and took in the words, I felt my body lose its tension. I took a long, deep breath. So often my days are filled with short, shallow breaths. I forget what it’s like to take a wonderfully long, deep breath and exhale. I imagined myself breathing in His grace and breathing out the worries and anxieties that can consume me. In the scripture you quoted from Isaiah, it reminds me that He will keep in perfect peace the mind that is dependent upon Him. When I get caught up in my own self sufficiency, that’s when the tension builds. But, if I take a deep breath and exhale my worries, I realize that the only way for me to make it through each day is to utterly and completely rely and depend upon Him. That little hummingbird isn’t worried, she trusts her maker to take care of her. How much more, will He take care of me/us? Lovely post and reading!!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Bev, and I found myself breathing deeper just reading your comment! Yes, completely dependent on Him is how I want to live each day too…one breath at a time.
Thank you for the reminder, very much needed!!
I’m so glad it was meaningful to you, Arnesia. Thanks for being here.
Thank you, Becky, for sharing as God our Creator took a moment of your time to bring His truth to light! How marvelous, how wonderful & my song shall ever be! I am reminded of Matt 11:28…Come to Me…. Back to the birds….they wake up with the dawn with beautiful song, then they are off in flight-feeding, nesting, finding a mate chirping/singing as they go. Then at dusk they become silent & still, waiting for the dawn of a new day when their song begins once again! Nature reveals so much of our Heavenly Father’s tender mercies that are new every morning. I stand in awe as I stop to look at the infinite care He has given in making each creature-including you & me! Be blessed, Becky, as you continually rest in His presence.
Connie, yes, this: “Nature reveals so much of our Heavenly Father’s tender mercies that are new every morning.” I see it too! It’s a gift to slow down and accept His tender mercies every day.
Thank you, Becky. What a beautiful reflection. Our garden attracted hummingbirds the past few summers, so your reminder to rest in Him really hit home. Much appreciated! Blessings on you today, Patricia
Thanks so much, Patricia. What a wonderful gift to observe God’s creation and in doing so get to know our Creator better. xx
This touched me deeply. I reposted it on my Facebook page. You voice reading your written words gave it even more meaning… thank you Becky.