Psalm 90:16-17 (NKJV)
16 Let Your work appear to Your servants, And Your glory to their children.
17 And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.
This Psalm was written by Moses. Moses is asking God to reveal His work to His children. Also, God has plans for us. Moses is asking God to lead us to the work He has for us. When we do the things God ordains for us, they go well. It is always best to be in God’s will.
Last week, I worked with our youth group on a stay-cation kind of work trip. Our Church participates in a local endeavor where we stay at the Church and travel locally to do repairs to homes damaged by Hurricane Sandy. It was amazing to watch 40+ teenagers really pitch in and make things happen. I was struck by the fact that these 14-18 year olds really stepped up and did the work. They did not need to be told what to do. They were there to serve others and serve they did!
Sometimes, we sign up to do something because it will look good on our resume’. There were a few kids there who needed community service hours. I got the feeling they were there to check something off their list. But the majority were there to build relationships. They worked hard because they wanted to make life better for someone they don’t even know. On the site where I worked, we did not get to meet the homeowners. That was a little sad. I like to meet the people I serve. I want the chance to tell them why I serve. I serve because of all God has done for me. And our StudentLife Pastor has taught our youth the same thing. They are awesome young people. James 2:17 (NKJV) says “17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Our youth have faith. And that faith in evidenced by the works they do in the name of Christ. Out of the overflow of blessings God has given them, they are blessing others including me. It is pure joy to watch them work. One of the funny parts to watch is them all fall asleep as soon as the van starts moving on the way to and from the worksite. That is my quite time. But it was a real blessing to work side by side with these awesome young people. I am discouraged when I look at the world at large. But I am revitalized when I get to see our youth step out in faith!
They are who they are because we have invested our time in them to share our faith. We planted seeds and God has given increase. His Holy Spirit has dwelled richly in their hearts and brought about spiritual growth. There is a fire in these kids. Now let us continue to fan the flames and encourage them in their walk with God. May it help grow us all!
Lord, thank You for establishing the work of our hands. You give us meaning and purpose through that which You ordain for us. Give us the talents and the strength we need to produce the fruits of our labors to Your glory. In Jesus name we pray!