Press the arrow to listen to Casting Crowns sing “Life Song” while reading today’s devotion about usefulness.

Scripture
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Observation
What brings burn out is not hard work but work that feels pointless. Hard work, at least for me, is exhilarating. But work without reward is debilitating.

There is a sweet word I can drop into my day like sugar into my coffee that sweetens everything. That word is “useful”. If I am confident that what I am doing today is useful to the Lord, then I will work enthusiastically.

Application
I was reflecting about some major exertions of energy in my life and the works that they have produced. I wonder about the usefulness of some.  But I have to ask myself, “Did I do them for the Lord?” My answer is, “Absolutely.” Then I must exercise faith that what I have done will be useful to the Lord, given time. I can’t let disappointments about the past slow my present pace. I must leave the past in the Lord’s hands with faith that he will make it work for him, somehow. Then I can move forward into what is given me to do today.

Prayer
Father, I’ve heard on the radio of songs dedicated to loved ones. I dedicate my life-song today to you. Make it useful. It may never be in the top 40. I do not ask that my song be louder than any others, only that it will last forever. Amen.