This psalm has two themes: if the Lord isn’t leading in something, it is done in vain; children are a gift and heritage from the Lord.
“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.” (v1-5)
This psalm, written by Solomon, indicates that God is central to our successes. Not only in our day-to-day life (eg. a job or construction project) but in raising the next generation as well. Any endeavor, if not done in submission to God, will be fruitless (in vain).
I think this is more obvious for us when we attempt to form a ministry that has not been called by God – if people think it’s a good idea to form an outreach project that God hasn’t specifically asked for, it will likely lack a positive impact.
If we seek God’s guidance for “ministry opportunities”, why wouldn’t we seek God’s guidance for “daily activities” as well? Are not all activities an opportunity to shine a light into this world? (I ask these questions as much for my own benefit as anyone else’s)
I should not only be praying for God’s guidance and blessing in “organized ministries” (eg. life groups or Sunday school), but for His leading in “daily ministries” as well (such as ministering to my coworkers or taming my tongue while waiting in an extra-long line for stamps). Why not pray for God’s help in the day-to-day activities as well?
This is especially important when it comes to parenting – Solomon would know that his father David was not the perfect father – some of Solomon’s brothers were train-wrecks, partially due to poor parenting from David. Since I believe the majority of parents want to do the best they can for their children, the best they can do is seek God’s guidance and leadership in their lives. Who better to help raise our children than God? (yes, that question was rhetorical)
My takeaway for today is to seek God in all things – no matter what the category, classification or type of activity – God wants to be there for us. Whether we’re playing a game or teaching Sunday school, our conduct can be Christlike (well, at least it can be in the amoral and moral activities [and if we’re inviting God into every aspect of our lives, the immoral activities will be less frequent]).
Father God, O Holy One of Israel, all honor, praise and glory be to You. You are eternally omnipresent, and we ask that You remind us to be present with You in all things. May we be as aware of Your presence at work, as we are in Your sanctuary. May we dedicate the “small things” to Your leadership, more so than the “big things”, because we do the “small things” every day. May we learn to diligently invite You into every aspect of our lives, making You the true Lord of our life. In the powerful name of Jesus we pray, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training