Living in Vain?
Opening Prayer
Father, without You I am nothing. Be everything to me today.
Read Psalm 127
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
1 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.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What are you most proud of? What are you most grateful to God for?Here is a man of mature years (Solomon?) reflecting on life. He has realized that whilst houses and cities are basic building blocks of human existence (1), too often they are monuments to mere human achievement. “Look at our house—we’ve transformed it.” “This is such a great city, we must protect it.” They are not bad things in themselves, but the danger is that they feed our pride and independence. Without God, they—and even our hard work (2)—are in vain.
The sad truth is that buildings decay and need maintaining (tell me about it!), and cities and nations are vulnerable to attack. Without God, all of our hard work and effort is in vain.
Well, at least he can take pride in his children (and don’t we too?)—“Our children have achieved so much—we’re so proud.” But they are a gift from God—just ask someone who has longed for a child for years (3). In ancient times children were an economic necessity, a living life insurance policy or pension. A quiver full of them really was a blessing (5)! If we are fortunate enough to have children, do we follow Hannah’s example and give them back to the God who gave them in the first place (1 Sam. 1:21–28)?
Apply
Is there an area of life in which you are in danger of acting independently of God? Write down those areas for thoughtful prayer.
Closing prayer
Thank God for his good gifts to you, especially any children you’re close to. Commit to depend on God in every life choice.
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