“So how about you enjoy the trees, eat some fruit, and relax a little bit. You’re not that big of a deal, just FYI.”- Judah Smith’s take on God’s communication with Adam in the Garden of Eden
“And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground the LORD God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food.”- Genesis 2:8-9
Today Pastor Judah Smith begins his discussion of four elements essential for optimum soul health.
1. Enjoy the trees. Pastor Smith explains that God delivers a purposeful, rather than arbitrary, message here. Our souls need rest- relaxation, enjoyment, peace, and pleasure. As a result, God designed life to be enjoyable. A relationship with God begins with rest, not with following rules.
Therefore, Judah explains why rest leads off the list of four elements. The author writes:
“Rest is first because God is first. A restless soul . . . thinks it is in control and needs to take care of everything. If we do not rest, we are trying to be our own God. We have to remember that even when we rest, God does not. When we sleep, God does not. And when we cease working. God does not.”
Furthermore, anxiety and fear result when we become a big deal in our own minds. In other words, people obsessed with leading their own lives cannot attain true rest. However, those who know Jesus attain true rest because we know Jesus is in control and taking care of us.
In conclusion, Judah encourages us to enjoy God and enjoy His creation. Also, lean into God. Trust that He’s really looking out for you. As Judah quips: “Sometimes God just wants you to go to bed.”
Today’s question: How do you make time to enjoy the trees? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Work it and keep it”