Empty Hands?
Opening Prayer
God of life, with You I have everything. Without You, all is in vain.
Read Psalm 127:1-5
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
[1]A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. [2] In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat- for he grants sleep to those he loves. [3] Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. [4] Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. [5] Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Where are you pursuing things without God's influence?Psalm 127 witnesses to the critical effect God has upon our lives in various areas: homes (1a), security (1b), work (2), family life (3-5a), and standing in the community (5b). We’re dependent upon God for everything that we embody. Much of what is significant to us lies beyond our control. Unless God is in it, we’ll end up with empty hands.It’s not that our work and striving have no purpose or value. The psalm isn’t saying that, or advocating indifference or laziness. However, if our work is in defiance of God’s purpose, it will not bear fruit. The greatest fruitfulness in life comes from doing the works he’s prepared for us (Eph. 2:10). That fruit comes when we learn to trust God in our lives and work with him (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor. 6:1). The fruit is a by-product of God’s presence at work in us (Gal. 5:22,23). The psalm challenges us to trust and surrender, which is easier to say than to do. We’re forcefully reminded here that we’re not in control, and our striving will be fruitless until we learn to work with God in his purpose. That’s when everything finds its proper place (Matt. 6:33,34).
Apply
Make a conscious effort to hand over and entrust to God every aspect of your life.
Closing prayer
Breathe on me, Lord, and let Your life, which brings me life, flow through me and out into the world.
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