Reflection on Psalm 127

Scripture
“Without the help of the Lord, it is useless to build a home or guard a city” (Ps. 127:1)

Observation
Unless the Lord leads us, it is useless striving in our life. Unless we are surrendered to God's will for us, then everything is, as Ecclesiastes puts it, “striving after the wind.”

Without God, it's useless to work long hours in a desperate attempt to gain security. On the other hand, God looks after His own people even when they are asleep. This is why the Biblical ideas of Sabbath rest and Jubilee Year are so important to us and so resisted by the world.

Children are a great blessing- not a cost or a curse and not something to be despised or disposed of because they are inconvenient,

Application
The Lord challenges all of our conceptions about what it means to be secure. If we are walking with God, then we have no reason to strive- whether to build a house, earn an income or guard a city. And if we are not walking with the Lord, everything else is a waste of effort anyway.

What areas of my life need to be brought before God and laid at His feet? Where do I get me sense of security from? My identity? My worth?


Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is true that you alone can prosper and protect me. When I walk with you, I have no reason to fear for whatever happens will be redeemed by you. Help me to look to you, to put my trust in you and to sleep deeply each night, knowing that there is no reason to fear. Amen.