We are often told that there’s no time like the present to get things done, or to take advantage of opportunities available. It can be frustrating for those of us who love to procrastinate. Procrastination consistently delays follow through, under the excuse of ‘later’. Most often, it is to the detriment of self and others.
When we delay our response to God, assuming that time is on our side, we’re not only playing with fire, but being presumptuous. Unfortunately, there is a direct connection between presumption, procrastination and rest when the task before us relates to God. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Hebrews 4:6-7 NIV
[6] Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience, [7] God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”
God’s Gift of Rest
It is obvious that the Hebrew writer isn’t only speaking about literal, physical rest. Although there are points of congruence, rest here is primarily related to the spiritual. The writer moves us from rest as ‘Sabbath’ to rest as ‘obedience’. While some of us might have issues with the former, others of us are severely challenged with obedience as well as procrastination.
Self-Check
Is procrastination or presumption our vice and have we given them over to God?
Digging Deeper
The reference to the journey into the Land of Promise is expected, as it was previously mentioned. Referencing Joshua rather than Moses underscores the connection between obedience and rest, as Moses was denied entry to the Land of Promise, by virtue of disobedience (see Numbers 20:1-13); although it was rooted in frustration. For me, this signals to those in leadership over God’s chosen cannot operate on presumption. All are saved by grace, but grace is not permission to take God for granted; not to presume that there’s no need for intentionality in protecting our salvation, our peace, or our rest.
Additionally, we note that salvation is God’s gift to humanity. We cannot save ourselves. And, as finite beings, it is incumbent that our response to God is timely. If idle hands are the devil’s workshop, imagine what the devil would do with procrastination.
There is a story of the devil assigning demons tasks to frustrate God’s work on earth. In the story, demons were to craft creative ways to prevent humans from following God. The Number 1 idea was lulling humans into thinking there’s time. Time to make that decision later, time to follow through on promises, time to eventually commit to Christ. And it works. Not only for our spiritual lives but also with our lived experiences. We often try to put of tomorrow’s activities until the day after… it’s funny, and it’s helpful – until it isn’t.
I attest to procrastination costing me valuable rest, because of misplaced priorities. My reasons seemed valid… until I was faced with submission dates being gone, and having to work frantically to ‘just get in’. Afterwards, I was far more tired than I’d have been had I made a little time daily for the task.
The thing is, when we delay our response to God or to others, we are perhaps subconsciously dealing with
Perfectionism (fear of failure) or Paralysis (inability to get to or continue the work). Both are connected to procrastination, as they can lead to delays in performance. In fact, that kind of paralysis is linked to performance anxiety. But, neither fear nor anxiety are God’s desire for us. Not spiritually nor professionally. If we can see God as the Source of our salvation, as the One Who guides us into rest, then yielding to God’s plan including obedience and acting in God’s now becomes far easier.
So, today is the best time to get our tasks done. One step at a time, beginning with a request for God’s support. For, in the words of King David and our Hebrew writer, Now is the day of salvation. Let’s not harden our hearts! Let’s do today what’s due to be done today, now.
Point to Ponder
Like me, you’re probably needing an extra ‘Self-Check’ to determine if we’re perfectionists, procrastinators, or paralysed in performance. Let’s check in with God today. And, on hearing God’s verdict, let’s not waste more time, but actively seek godly solutions to ensure we operate on God’s time, by God’s grace. It will improve our rhythms of rest.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
