Unless the Lord...
Psalm 127 as an antidote to striving
Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
3 Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
Ours is a striving society isn’t it? It’s not that we’re more materialistic than earlier generations. We strive not for affluence but for influence. We want to be noticed, to be heard, but more, to be heeded.
This Psalm is about perspective and purpose. In verses 1-2, the writer focuses on the things that his audience likely strove after: an abode, physical safety, material provision. These are legitimate ends. It’s not wrong to desire safety or a place to lay your head.
While these are legitimate needs, they’re not ultimate ones. And the one who strives for these things alone, finds that while these needs may be met, others are left unaddressed.
Derek Kidner notes that God’s provision (here in verses 4-5) is often unpretentious but nevertheless miraculous. All that glitters is not gold. And it’s often the simplest of pleasures that provide us with the deepest sense of meaning.
Today, cease striving and enjoy those things and people God has placed in your life.