Unless Yahweh builds the House – Psalm 127

This is the second psalm in our psalter written by Solomon (see also Psalm 72).  Solomon’s wisdom is on display in this psalm.

A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.

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.  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.

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.  Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.  Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!  He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.  (Psalm 127 ESV)

Though we must build a house and guard a city, we do so in vain if we are not looking to the One who can make it succeed.  In part this would look like allowing ourselves to sleep and trusting God to help us accomplish what is needed without laboring anxiously and without rest.  In part it would also look like seeing our children as a gift from God to provide security for us in our later days. 

There are other ways, of course, that God could provide for us.  He is the protector of our community, the protector of our church, indeed, the One we should be trusting and not give in to anxiety.