ZionFireFriends

Psalm 127

Prosperity Comes from the LORD

A Song of Ascents, of Solomon.<LIST type="decimal">

1. <LI>
2. Unless the LORD builds the house,
   
   They labor in vain who build it;
   
   Unless the LORD guards the city,
   
   The watchman keeps awake in vain.</LI>
   <LI>
3. It is vain for you to rise up early,
   
   To retire late,
   
   To eat the bread of painful labors;
   
   For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.</LI>
   
   <LI>
4. Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,
   
   The fruit of the womb is a reward.</LI>
   <LI>
5. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
   
   So are the children of one's youth.</LI>
   <LI>
6. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;
   
   They will not be ashamed
   
   When they speak with their enemies in the gate.</LI>

</LIST>This is yet another reminder to self and to those traveling together that this trip and our lives are not about "us". Solomon learned well about the wisdom of ensuring that we cooperate with God's plans and not try to outrun Father's plans for that house. We don't want to labor in vain, to waste time, talent or treasure on our own folly, our own flesh-born "visions". I want to be one to whom Father gives even in my sleep!



Solomon, son of David, is credited with this psalm. How special and fitting it is that he writes about the blessings of having offspring. Can you see fathers talking to their sons on this journey and telling them what blessings they are? This helps sons (and daughters and others for whom we represent authority figures) gain certainty in the God-given and dad-imprinted identity as the blessed of the Father.