If the Lord does not build the house, it is useless for the builders to work on it.
If the Lord does not protect a city, it is useless for the guard to stay alert.
It is useless to work hard for the food you eat by getting up early and going to bed late.
The Lord gives ⌊food⌋ to those he loves while they sleep. [vss 1-2]
Children are an inheritance from the Lord. They are a reward from him.
The children born to a man when he is young are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.
Blessed is the man who has filled his quiver with them.
He will not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the city gate. [vss 3-5]
A song by Solomon for going up to worship. (Psalms 127:1-5 GW)
The popular phrase, "It's all good," is used way too much. It's an expression that covers a multitude of situations. It's meaningless without context and often depends on a person's point of view on life in general.
King Solomon used a phrase throughout the book of Ecclesiastes that conveys the opposite—"It's useless...!" (Eccl 1:1 NCV). A more current way to say it is, "It's a waste of time!"
Psalm 127 is attributed to King Solomon who was known for his wisdom (Proverbs) and life of excess (1 Kings 10:23, 24, 26; 11:3). His life of excess corrupted him but it also taught him important lessons in life.
When we make the wrong things our priorities, our values get distorted and our life gets turned upside down. This is the basic message of the first half of this psalm.
America's affluent culture is currently fixated on self-absorbed hedonism in pursuit of a risk-free life. It is a pointless pursuit and it's not "all good."
Americans want bigger, more beautiful homes, fail-safe security, and we're willing to scheme and work for it. But the cost is steep and in the end, it will all be lost.
On the other hand, implicit trust in the Lord pays great dividends and provides contentment and peace of mind.
It's a daily choice. Either we strive for more while sacrificing relationships and sleep, or we can find contentment through trusting in the Lord. King Solomon realized this at the end of his life (Eccl 12:13-14).
How long will it take for you to learn this lesson?
Do you spend more time striving and worrying or resting and trusting in the Lord?
The Lord gives ⌊food⌋ to those he loves while they sleep (verse 2)
©Word-Strong_2017
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I won't cover all 150 Psalms, but do selective devotionals through the rest of Psalms.
So if I skip one that you like... let me know and I'll try to cover it!
