Psalm 127:1–2
Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good. It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones. Psalm 127:1–2 (NLT)
I can't read these verses of Psalms without thinking of my dear husband. When Jay decided to leave teaching after 6 years of teaching 7th graders, he moved to Lincoln where he had worked during the summers doing construction. He bought a pick-up and a lot in south Lincoln to start his new career as a home builder. Having a deep faith, he went to find a loan to finance the build and met with rejections. He was able to find a banker who was willing to give him the benefit of a doubt and gave him the loan. He met with a number of "challenges" in the process of building. While framing and siding the house Lincoln had a record length of days of below zero temperatures. Along with his belief that he was doing what he was meant to do, he got help from his very good friend who had more experience than he had and his brothers also leant a hand. The Lord was there with him every step of the way and he was proud to complete and sell his first home.
I admire the courage that he had to embark on taking that risk! I think about all of you and the new things you may be trying in this new year. You may have made a resolution to spend more time reading the Bible or working out or (my annual pledge) to eat less sugar. You may have decided to work very hard at your job to get that promotion. You may have made the decision that you will volunteer more or will be more patient with your spouse or your children. These are all good changes but without the help of God, we may be struggling in vain.
So what shall we do? Asking for God's help every day (some days every minute of every day) will make the attempt fruitful. And at the end of the day, remember that "God gives us rest". We are saved by God's grace, not by our hard work. We may improve our lives here on earth by striving to make changes but He has already saved us. Rest in that knowledge.
Questions for Reflection:
- How do you decide if you're working too hard?
- How can you balance goals for growth spiritually, physically, emotionally, and intellectually this year?
Prayer:
Dear Creator and Mentor,
We're all just trying to live lives that are balanced and filled with your spirit. Please guide us in our attempts to create a world that is just and kind and filled with your love. Thank you for each day to create that world. Help us to remember that you loved us so much that you gave your only Son. In your name we pray.
Amen
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