- It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. Psalm 127:2 – So is it pointless that we work hard? Is it pointless to build or stay on watch as we read in verse one? No, it’s not pointless, that’s not what this passage is saying. It’s reminding us that without God’s blessing on those efforts, our mere waking early and working hard won’t bring us the true peace and rest we need. For its God who brings the peace and rest, not our efforts or anything of this world. So yes, push hard and give what’s in front of you your best because that’s what God calls us to do. Just understand that it will be God bringing the peace, not your efforts. You can push and push and push, but if you’re pushing in a direction God’s not directing you don’t expect to find the peace He gives. So let Him direct your steps and be in what you’re doing. Then, and only then, will you find the peace and rest you need at the end of all your efforts. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1355
- Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. Psalm 127:1 – I found the following sentence in Benson’s Commentary this morning as I looked deeper into what this passage was saying. “The success of all our undertakings depends so entirely upon God’s blessing, that it is vain to attempt anything without it.” God has to be in, be behind, and be blessing what we are doing in order to find success. We can seek to build the best church here or the best outreach ministry or the best anything, yet, if God’s hand of blessing is not on it, it’s not going to succeed. Unless the Lord builds it, those who pour into it are pouring their everything into something that won’t succeed. Be sure then before every endeavor that you are seeking the Lord’s direction on it for it would be a waste to begin down a path He isn’t going to bless. Be sure then to invite God into every effort and give Him full control of how things move forward. Be content if a dream of yours isn’t in God’s plan, and despite every effort you make, it just doesn’t move forward. Be willing to celebrate with joy those around you who find their efforts succeeding even when you are continuing to see no movement forward. For if it’s God’s blessing that is the key ingredient to anything being built, let’s make sure we are taking the time upfront to seek out the Lord’s direction and wisdom on the efforts we desire to take. For while this passage does more lean on the side of warning that any effort that isn’t of God will fail, it also speaks to another truth. That if the endeavor is of the Lord, who can stop it? I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2258
Daily DEVO 