Psalm 127

Bible Reading - Psalm 127

This psalm expresses the idea that, apart from the Lord’s providence, all human effort is in vain. The pilgrim worshipper reflects on the fact that, though His people are certainly required to be diligent in their work, they must also do it in faith. Apart from the Lord making our efforts useful and beneficial, all human effort is ultimately pointless.

Verse 2 paints a picture of a man working tirelessly and anxiously to establish his efforts, yet it is clear that all his efforts are vain because they are not done in faith. In contrast, the Lord gives rest to those He loves; to practice diligence in faith means to rest when rest is needed rather than anxiously toiling away, to trust in the Lord to provide for us instead of bending over backwards in our efforts to provide for ourselves. This is why God commanded the Sabbath for His people: to cease from work and rest for an entire day is an act of faith in God’s provision!

We need this reminder today as well. So many of us spend our time anxiously trying to prepare for every possible scenario. We work ourselves to death, worry ourselves to death, and labor and toil all in vain when the Lord is calling us to rest! He is calling us to trust that He is enough for us and that He will come through for us. We are called to diligence, yes, but diligence must never be divorced from faith!

Let’s give ourselves, our efforts, and our anxieties over to God, and rest in His provision and care for us. He is faithful and He will cause our efforts to bear fruit according to His purposes!

ON THE COUCH WITH GOD

What are some ways that it is tempting for you not to trust in God’s provision and care, His sufficiency? How is the Lord calling you to rest in Him?