Psalm 127:2

Psalm 127:2

Work v sleep!

Solomon continues the theme of this Psalm in Proverbs, “The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it.” Proverbs 10:22. Jesus picked up the same theme when He taught us not to worry about what we will eat and drink or what we will wear. He pointed to birds and to flowers and reminded His disciples that they do not have to toil to remain alive, their heavenly Father knows about all the needs of His children. Matthew 6:25-34. Jacob’s blessing of his sons from his deathbed is very powerful and to Benjamin he says, “Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for He shields Him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders.” Deuteronomy 33:12. What a beautiful picture and what a reminder that we do not have to worry in this life, the Lord carries us on His shoulders just as a shepherd carries a young sheep. We are protected, provided for and given rest when we trust in the care of the shepherd. Does this mean that we should just sit back and let the Lord run our lives? Not at all, we are to do a fair day’s work, but do we really need that big bank balance, or those investments, or the grander house or the newest car? Would the time spent acquiring these things be better spent learning to trust?

Many of us can look back over our lives and see times when we laboured, rose early and stayed up late simply because we had the idea that everything and everyone depended on us. If we did not work our socks off and provide for our families, everything would come crashing down around us. It was a matter of pride but also about taking control. We looked at those who did less and cared less and despised them! Solomon wags his finger in our faces and tells us that this is not what the Lord wants, if we learn to trust in Him, He will provide, He will make a way. It may offer less of this world’s provisions, but it will enable us to sleep a lot better! Hallelujah!

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