Songs of Ascent - Work (Psalm 127)

God designed us to work. To do meaningful service for our community whether it’s paid or volunteering, (e.g. Prov 14:23, Col 3:23-24, Gen 2:15). But our Psalm reminds us that we can labour in vain.

Psalm 127

As we ‘work’, we witness the light of Christ and partner with him in kingdom building. Let that be our priority as we abide in him.

I’ve enjoyed ‘Work’ over the years. As a young guy, my first work was at the Caboolture Cut Price store. I’d pack groceries and carry them to people’s cars. Later, after Uni, I worked for Sullivan and Nicolaides in Brisbane and Toowoomba. At 37, we embarked as a family into pastoral ministry. Every work situation had its joys and challenges. Over the years I have put up my hand to take on responsibilities as God has enabled me. But as I am reminded in this Psalm, there have been many hours of effort, thinking, passion, and heart where I "laboured in vain.” It was more about my pride and priority than about God’s purpose.

God designed us to work. To do meaningful service for our community whether it’s paid or volunteering, (e.g. Prov 14:23, Col 3:23-24, Gen 2:15). But our Psalm reminds us that we can labour in vain. In other words, we can work ourselves to the bone, stress, be overcome with anxiety and worry, where everything depends on us. The warning here is that work is empty, meaningless and futile when we do it in our own strength rather than God’s strength.

Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labour in vain.

Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in

vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—

for He grants sleep to those He loves. (Psalm 127:1-2)

Our business, our workplace, our ministry, our family, everything we participate in is built by God. And he wants us, in the midst of work, to find rest, peace and sleep.

He then highlights the work of parenting, shaping the “arrows" God has given. But they are God’s children first. A blessing given to us to steward and love. Don’t do that work in vain. Don’t squander the opportunity by neglect, or over worry, protect and control. They are a “reward” so trust the Lord, and treasure, love and pray for them. Rest in God’s immense love for you and your children.

As we ‘Work’, we witness the light of Christ and partner with him in kingdom building. Let that be our priority as we abide in him.

God Bless

Pastor Stephen