The limits of our own efforts

Psalm 127 was written by Solomon, but it reminds me of a later time in Israel’s history when Nehemiah was trying to rebuild the walls.

Solomon wrote,

Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.  Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.  (Psalm 127:1)

Nehemiah made his plans.  When opposition came, he came up with strategies to deal with them.  But ultimately, had God not been with them, everything would have fallen apart.

There is a balance between doing our part and letting God do his.  We can’t expect God’s blessing if we just sit and do nothing.

On the other hand, all our efforts are in vain if God is not an integral part of what we’re doing.

Too often, we say to God, “This is what we’re going to do.  Please bless it,” when what we should be praying is, “Lord, what would you have us do?  How should we proceed?”

When you look at Nehemiah’s life, he constantly bathed all he did in prayer.  We should too.

Solomon goes on to say,

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat– for he grants sleep to those he loves.  (2)

One problem with many people is that they make work the center of their lives, to the neglect of their family and to their health.

Of course, work is important, but we should make sure we keep our priorities straight.  That we get enough sleep, and that we’re eating healthily.  And that we also spend time with our families.

For as Solomon said,

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.  (3)

If our jobs don’t allow these things, we should be praying for a new job.

But in everything, let’s put God at the center.  For if he is, nothing we do will be in vain.  If he isn’t, everything we do is in vain.