Sleep on This: March 18

Good evening, friend.

How is your soul? I know this has been a day of continued unrest, but regardless of what you are hearing on the news or social media, God is still on the throne! Jesus is still Lord. The Spirit of the risen Christ is living within you and nothing, nothing, nothing can separate you from the love of God.

In 1822, Franz Schubert composed his Eighth Symphony in b minor. Even if you aren’t a classical music lover, you might better recognize this by another name: The Unfinished Symphony. He completed only two of the traditional four movements and it remained that way until his death six years later. A masterpiece—half-done.

Paul offers a magnificent promise in his letter to the Philippians: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 1:6)

One of the challenges of this season of lockdown is our unfinished business. Rather rudely, our rhythms and structures have been jerked out from under us and we are left feeling like there’s much to be done—and we are helpless to do much about it.

I urge you to choose a different perspective. Choose to believe that God is using these moments when you feel (are) out of control to continue his creative work in your life. He is shaping your mind, deepening your faith, growing your relationships, sharpening your prayer life, inviting you to your knees in worship and humility. Not only is God not stymied by this interruption in YOUR life, he is employing even this to complete his masterpiece: you! And he will not stop until that work is done.

Lord Jesus, I lay me down to sleep in your care, confident that even in my rest, you are at work, creating me to be the person you have always intended, the masterpiece of which you are so proud. I submit myself to that work through Christ my Lord. Amen.

Pastor Mark