.... they labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows. Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward (Psalm 127:1-3). Attributed to King Solomon, the first part of verse one is reminiscent of Ecclesiastes 1:14 which says “I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind.” The phrase “under the sun” has to do with what is purely natural, done without reference to the unseen World, to God, to eternity. Whatever we build, be it houses, or businesses, or ministries, or reputation, or fame, or fortune or glory, unless the Lord is behind it, it is futile.
It is interesting to me to note story after story, of those who have climbed the ladder of success, or fame, or fortune, that they have arrived at the top, only to find it empty and meaningless. And if we do not find our meaning, and in fact our identity in Christ, in being sons and daughters of the living God, we will likely either lapse into hopelessness, or seek to find significance and meaning in all the wrong places. Solomon had it all, fame, fortune, wine, women and song. But in the end would declare it meaningless and empty. The Lord through Isaiah asks “Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?” He invites us to “eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.” And what is good is to “come to Me; hear Me, that your soul may live” (Isaiah 55:2,3).
Verse 2 of the Psalm speaks of workaholism and “the bred of sorrows.” Paul telling Timothy about those who love money says that some “have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:10). Of course it is the love of money, and our hanging onto it that's the problem, not money itself. Concerning guarding the city (or our treasure), Jesus tells us not to lay it up on earth where it is vain, because of moth, rust and thieves (Matthew 6:19). Verse 3 of the Psalm tells us that the true treasure, the true heritage, is in our Children. Is it any wonder our society which places such little value on them, is so lost? On the other hand, we must remember they are our heritage, on loan from the Lord, and we are to raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4), not to try and live our lives vicariously through them.
Father, Your Word instructs us that whatever we do in thought word deed, to do it all to the glory of God. The Hymn writer tells us “only one life, it soon be past, and only what’s done for Christ will last.” Help us Lord this morning, to live life for You and for You alone. Prompt us Lord by Your Holy Spirit when we are building in vain, or being over anxious about what is not eternal. Help us Lord to get our priorities straight, to put You first, then family. Forgive us Lord when we have put our career or any things else above these things in Jesus Name Amen
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