We are now beyond the half way point on “the journey” as we reflect on Psalm 127.
The “Songs of Ascents” have provided the route map to guide our steps. The big themes that flow out of these songs encourage us on our way and give us the impetus to keep going when our spirits are flagging and our energy is running low.
What we encounter in today’s song runs counter to the way that many in society view life. Here we learn the truth that all that I am and all that I ultimately achieve in life is a gift from God.
The psalm recognises the Lord’s sovereign place in my circumstances. It speaks about his presence in some of the key areas of life.
Two particular pursuits come to light as we mediate on this song. The importance of…
➡️ Building the Kingdom (verses 1-2)
When we reflect on how we can effectively serve God, Solomon reminds us that, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain” (verse 1).
The question that follows is…
How do we build an effective work for God?
One of the great pioneer missionaries of the 19th century, Hudson Taylor, once wrote that “God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.”
What is God’s way of building his kingdom?
Our mindset and the ‘materials’ we use are vitally important.
Firstly, we must be “all in.”
“Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not vain.”
(1 Corinthians 15:58)
We are called to seek God’s will and follow God’s instructions (Holy Scripture) in our service for him.
And secondly, we must do so standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow believers. I have always been fond of Nehemiah chapter 3. Nehemiah is burdened by the state of Jerusalem. Its walls are broken and its gates have been burned by fire. However, he sets to work to rebuild the city and enlists the help of its inhabitants to make it happen. What I love about the chapter is the way in which everyone (with one exception, see verse 5) works shoulder to shoulder to make it happen and the walls are rebuilt in a record breaking 52 days!
With God’s Word to guide us and God’s people to support us the grand edifice of the God's kingdom is taking shape.
The song also focuses on…
➡️ Growing a Family (verses 3-5)
The birth of a child remains one of life’s great joys and is a source of profound wonder.
I do, however, remember being filled with a deep sense of inadequacy as a parent when my children were little. One day I was standing in the queue at our local bank when words came into my mind that I scribbled on the back of a deposit slip (remember them?).
Here is what I wrote down…
What can I do, Lord, what can I do
to grow a son who honours You?
who finds his inspiration and delight
in knowing he’s a child of God by right;
who loves Your Word and people too,
with mind and heart that’s always true.
What can I do, Lord, what can I do
to be a dad who models You?
with patience, grace and discipline right,
who rests on You, draws from Your might;
whose hope for him and those I love
is focused on my Lord above.
This I will do, Lord, this I will do
obey Your law and pray to You,
reveal to him Your Father-heart,
in time and effort do my part,
I’ll walk with You and love my son
until on earth my journey’s done.
(September 19 2000)
The overwhelming sense that the Lord has gifted our children to us for a time remains with me to this day.
As Psalm 127 reminds us,
“Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?
the fruit womb his generous legacy?
Oh, how blessed are you parents,
with your quivers full of children!”
(The Message, verses 3-5)
Psalm 127 takes us to the kernel of life lived in the presence of God. His kingdom and the way he has placed us in families are themes that occupy us on the next section of “the journey.”
(picture - Boboli Gardens, Florence)
"the journey" playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1r5rMcrNlmUMQqHyIBfCmg?si=YtwsF-OuT9-160jOeH26gQ&pi=iHT32HMRSleMD
