Daily Devotion - Genesis 3:6 - “Rest” God is Our Contentment

They had one job.

God had created a beautiful paradise. Every need was fulfilled and every question answered. The animals were cared for (Genesis 1:30), the plants were watered and growing (Genesis 2:9), and food was plentiful. Best of all, the creator and sustainer of all of this was their constant companion and friend.

In fact, after He had created it all, He called it “very good” (Genesis 1:31) and considered His work finished (Genesis 2:2). He had taken the dark, chaotic, formless void (Genesis 1:2) and built a perfect world where everything flourished and thrived. Adam and Eve had no care in the world.

But then they got curious.

What was this special “knowledge” tree He warned them about? If He had their spiritual best interests in mind, and they would be like Him after eating it, why would He keep it from them?

Today, because of their choice, the perfect paradise that was created out of darkness and chaos has reverted back to disorder, and the single tree of disobedience has spread its evil roots throughout the world. We are daily bombarded with a myriad of modern “knowledge trees”, things that look good, feel good and promise to fulfill all of our selfish desires. Additionally, we wrestle with an ever-increasing doubt of God’s good and perfect plan for our contentment and peace. We question what God could possibly offer us that we can’t find online or at our local store.

When a special church council was convened at Westminster Abbey in England, they summed up the sole purpose of man’s existence. It wasn’t to have the nicest house, best job or fastest car. It wasn’t to spend countless hours consuming entertainment and food. It was simply this.

“The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”

This is what Adam and Eve experienced in the beginning, and what they forfeited when they wanted something more, discontent with the bountiful paradise that was already theirs.

But God knew they would rebel, and yet His plan for mankind to be satisfied in Him has not changed. They had disobeyed and couldn’t fix things on their own, but God already had a plan to bring them back (Genesis 3:15).

Question to consider

What things in this world do I chase after to satisfy me instead of God’s presence?

prayer

Almighty God, just like Adam and Eve I always default to my human nature. I doubt Your infinite goodness and I believe Your creation is a better substitute for Your unconditional love and Your glorious presence. Remind me today that I was created to glorify and enjoy You. Only in You will I truly be satisfied and content. Amen.