Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you. (‭Psalm‬ ‭128‬:‭1-2‬ ESV)

Few things are as satisfying as experiencing the rewards of your own work.

Standing back and looking at the bright, shiny car you just washed and waxed, seeing the straight lines and perfectly trimmed grass of your lawn after a day of mowing, smelling the clean scent of your home after hours of chores – these things can be very satisfying, albeit temporary.

Other things are more significant and require that much more diligence. Completing a long-term project at work and being commended by your boss, finishing that research paper and receiving high marks, celebrating twenty years of marriage – these things are more rewarding, partly because they were more demanding.

John was the longest living disciple/apostle of Jesus. All of the other original twelve had died, but John lived to be very old. His was not an easy life – in fact, he was exiled to the Island of Patmos in his mid-nineties!

Beneath the gray hair and wrinkled skin, John maintained a sharpness of mind and spirit that allowed him to write some of the most compelling and prophetic words ever penned.

One of his letters seemed to sum up the greatest satisfaction of his life. After decades of labor for The Lord, John said, “I have no greater joy than to know that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 1:4)

God promises us that, when we live in such a way as to fear and honor The Lord, we will experience the joy of our labor. I can think of no greater desire than to see my children – both physical children and the spiritual “adopted” children – to walk in the ways of God.

Father,
Today I declare by faith that all my children shall be taught of The Lord, and great shall be the peace of my children! (Isaiah 54:13)
I put my trust in You, therefore I will reap the rewards of my labors!
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.