Psalm 18 at Work

Psalm 18 can help us get a good start on our work today. Yes, we focus on what's to be done. But focus on God first.

Remember, first the glory of God - We work, above all else, for the greater glory of god.

And where else can we get a better, solid "taste" of God than Holy Scripture? It is, after all His Word. He inspired the writers and they have passed on to us what God wants us to know. And what we know should inform our thoughts, words, and deeds throughout this day at work. Right?

So if God's glory is our first intention, Psalm 18 can inform us of that glory as only God's Word can do:

Psalm 18

18:2 The heavens shew forth the glory of God, * and the firmament declareth the work of his hands.
18:3 Day to day uttereth speech, * and night to night sheweth knowledge.
18:4 There are no speeches nor languages, * where their voices are not heard.
18:5 Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth: * and their words unto the ends of the world.
18:6 He hath set his tabernacle in the sun: * and he, as a bridegroom coming out of his bride chamber,
18:6 Hath rejoiced as a giant to run the way: * his going out is from the end of heaven,
18:7 And his circuit even to the end thereof: * and there is no one that can hide himself from his heat.

Don't forget the law of the Lord, even as you carefully work according to the requirements/demands of your particular type of work, the dictates of your boss, the policies/procedures of your company.

The law of the Lord is unspotted, converting souls: * the testimony of the Lord is faithful, giving wisdom to little ones.
18:9 The justices of the Lord are right, rejoicing hearts: * the commandment of the Lord is lightsome, enlightening the eyes.
18:10 The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring for ever and ever: * the judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves.
18:11 More to be desired than gold and many precious stones: * and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.

Yes, work for money, for advancement in your career, but do so with holy fear, with awareness of your particular judgement never far away. This is more desirable than money.
 
18:12 For thy servant keepeth them, * and in keeping them there is a great reward.
18:13 Who can understand sins? from my secret ones cleanse me, O Lord: * and from those of others spare thy servant.
18:14 If they shall have no dominion over me, then shall I be without spot: * and I shall be cleansed from the greatest sin.
18:15 And the words of my mouth shall be such as may please: * and the meditation of my heart always in thy sight.
18:15 O Lord, my helper, * and my redeemer. 

As we finish each day's work, we can look back and assess how things went. It's a good practice. All good? Not so good? Whatever the assessment, we know we'll reassemble our mental and physical resources and plunge back in tomorrow.

While it's best that our day went well, that our work was good, even better would be a day where we were good. An Examination of Conscience should provide some insight here. As Psalm 18 puts it: "Who can understand sins? from my secret ones cleanse me, O Lord: and from those of others spare thy servant. If they shall have no dominion over me, then shall I be without spot: and I shall be cleansed from the greatest sin." 

If these words hit home, then our day will have been a good one, no matter our work results.