Though I Labor
Written by Drake Bang
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
- Psalm 103:2-5
It’s funny how I imagine the next season of life will be a little less busy and demanding. I picture that magical, glorious threshold when I finally gain those extra few hours or room in the budget. Those of you with kids are probably chuckling, saying, "Keep waiting, Drake!" In fact, it’s quite the opposite. My demands seem to grow at a steady rate. With much pressing in, my time is strained, my body is weary, and my heart longs for rest.
Even if I could "magically" get that extra margin, my problem wouldn’t be solved. Even with the most organized schedule or fine-tuned budget in place, my earthly strain would persist.
Oh man. How often I forget my need for a Savior.
Peace isn’t found in having fewer demands; it’s found in remembering who holds them all. David’s words in Psalm 103 remind me that real peace begins with adoration and worship. When I stop to bless the Lord and recall His goodness, the noise around me fades, and my heart grows still.
At Christ’s birth, the angels declared, "Peace on earth." That peace didn’t arrive through calmer circumstances but through God Himself drawing near. Advent reminds me that peace isn’t the absence of chaos but the presence of Christ. So though I labor, my soul can rest, for the Lord who forgives, redeems, and satisfies me is near.
PRAYER: Father, help me remember that true and lasting peace comes only through Your Son, Jesus Christ, from whom all blessings flow.
