The author of Psalm 127 was Solomon. He was the wisest man who ever lived. He left a legacy of written wisdom in three books of the Bible - Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. In these books, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he gives practical insights and guidelines for life.
Psalm 127 was written to share with us that life without God is senseless, you must have a foundation with God.
Psalm 127:1 - "Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain"
Families establish homes and watchmen guard cities, but both of these activities are futile unless God is with them. A family without God can never experience the spiritual bond God brings to relationships. A city without God will crumble from evil and corruption on the inside. Don't make the mistake of leaving God out of your life - if you do, all your accomplishments will be futile. Make God your highest priority, and let him do the building.
Psalm 127:2 - "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for he grants sleep to those he loves"
God is not against human effort. Hard work honors God. But working to the exclusion of rest or to the neglect of family may be a cover up for an inability to trust God to provide for our needs. We all need adequate rest and times of spiritual refreshment. On the other hand, this verse is not an excuse to be lazy. Be careful to maintain a balance: work while trusting God, and also rest while trusting him.
Psalm 127:3-4 - "Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. 4-Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth"
Too often children are seen as liabilities rather than assets. But the Bible calls children "a heritage from the LORD," a reward. We can learn valuable lessons from their inquisitive minds and trusting spirits. Those who view children as a distraction or nuisance should instead see them as an opportunity to shape the future. We dare not treat children as an inconvenience when God values them so highly.
Psalm 127 / New International Version
ReplyDelete1 Unless the Lord builds the house,
the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.
2 In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to those he loves.
3 Children are a heritage from the Lord,
offspring a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their enemies in the gate.
All of life's work - building a home, establishing a career and raising a family - must have God as the foundation!
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