This is our first psalm of Solomon or of David for Solomon. He provides wise insight into a home blessed by God. This chapter is also reminiscent of the book of Ecclesiastes.
- Verses 1-2-If God is not the foundation of the household it will not become that for which God created the family. If you desire more on the family, please post your request. Workaholics are not meant for God’s work. When we do His work, allow Him to create His family, His life in us, we find that His work is not a burden and His work is productive (Matthew 11.29-30). Verse two provides us insight into the makings of the body. God created the body so that it repairs itself while we sleep. Solomon tells us that God provides for us during our sleep. This can be read as God being at work in our work as we rest and it can also be seen as God working in us to rebuild and strengthen us as we rest. Either picture is wonderful.
These verses should be a warning to those who are in school and cram the night before to complete a project that should have been completed over time. A job done for His glory is done as we are physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy. It does not come in a frenzy.
Zechariah 4.6 directs our attention to this truth. We cannot accomplish greatness apart from Him who is great.
Do your job, your house, your finances take away from the time spent with God, family, and friends? If so, you are building your house on the sand. Jesus reminds us in John 15.5 that we can do nothing apart from Him. What are you trying to do without His strength and understanding?
- Verses 3-5-We are called to a great responsibility as parents. God has given us a great and precious gift in our children. If we do not submit our lives to the Lord, and give this example daily to our children, they will not submit to the Lord. Our labor is in vain when we choose our own path. Solomon tells us it leads to destruction.
What we do with our time, finances, and efforts determine the direction of our life and of our family (both present and future). If your time, finances, and effort are based on your desires, your strength, and your understanding, the final outcome may be good but it won’t be great. What are you doing today in light of God’s work and God’s purpose for you?
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All our work is to be done for his glory. This is pointed out in verse 1. If we don’t do our work for Him, but rather do it for the world and for fame, then it is pointless, because it is only temporary. He is the one who gives each and everything we do a meaning and a purpose. He set a purpose for each day of our lives. He will bless our work once we realize that everything we do is for Him, not for ourselves.