Day 321: Five Ts of the Christian Life (Psalm 127:1-5, James 1:1-27, Ezekiel 32:1-33:20)
Psalm 127:1-5
Psalm 127
A song of ascents. Of Solomon.
1 Unless the Lord builds the house,
the builders labour in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the guards stand watch 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 opponents in court.
Psalm Commentary
1. Trust
The Christian life is not meant to be one of self-dependent toil, but of dependent trust. With trust comes peace and sleep.
‘Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labour in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat – for he grants sleep to those he loves’ (vv.1–2). As Victor Hugo wrote, ‘When you have... accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace; God is awake.’
It is easy to get caught up with our own plans for our lives, families and ministries. This psalm is a wonderful reminder that ultimately you are totally dependent on the Lord.
This is a message of great comfort, but it is also a challenge. Is God part of everything you do? Are there any areas of your life where you are going it alone, and therefore ‘labouring in vain’?
God wants to be involved in every area of your life. If you want your work to have lasting value, you need to make sure you are partnering with the Lord and not going it alone. Trust God with your children as well. Children are a blessing (vv.3–5) and you have to trust God for them and for their future.
Prayer
Lord, I commit my life, my family, our church, and everything I am involved in into your hands. I trust in you.
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