Resting in the Lord

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Scripture:

Psalm 127
A song of ascents. Of Solomon.
1 Unless the Lord builds the house,
    the builders labor 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[a] those he loves.

Observation:

Imagine how this Psalm spoke to the Hebrews as they were trying to rebuild Jerusalem. They faced setback after setback, as their enemies tried to stop them from their work. They tried on their own and it just wasn’t coming together -- but God had a plan.

The need to trust in the Lord was very basic to their survival and success. The Lord would be the one who would provide a way for the city to be rebuilt. They didn’t have the resources on their own either for building, or for security. Their enemies were ready to pounce at a moment’s notice! Staying up late and getting up early wouldn’t solve their problem -- they could never do enough on their own. By trusting in the Lord they would not need to struggle. He would provide what was needed and they could lay their heads down at night and get much needed rest to face another day.

Application:

Just as the Hebrew children found themselves rebuilding the temple, we may find ourselves rebuilding in our own lives. Whether it’s a relationship, a church, or work, the principles remain the same. Unless God is in the midst of it all, we labor in vain.

The priority for those who follow the Lord is to get to know the Lord! This must be first and foremost and in getting to know him, we begin to understand his direction and leading. We can rest and trust in what God has in mind -- and when God has the plan, he also has the resources.

All that frenzied work — it’s in vain. Getting to know and trust in God — that’s worth it all. Go to bed, sleep well and know that God loves us and will take care of us and our needs.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for your promises of the past that reach to us today.  Amen.

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