Psalm 127 is a wisdom psalm, written in typical Solomonic style, rich in covenant overtones. God promised Abraham abundant blessing and abundant offspring (Genesis 17). In line with this God also made a promise to David that he would build him a ‘house,’ meaning an everlasting dynasty (2 Samuel 7:11). Solomon inherited David’s throne and he acknowledges here that his kingship and his kingdom (his ‘house’), if not established by God, is doomed to fail. Those who dedicate themselves and their households to God will serve a higher unthwartable purpose. They will become, as Solomon says here, “like arrows in the hands of a warrior”. They will be weapons in the hand of God. Whose purpose are you contending for? Those who build their households in their own way for their own agendas build in vain. But those who build with God, who prioritise his purpose in everything they do “will never be put to shame” when opposing forces push against them (vs.5). As Jesus said, storms will blow against the house that you are building (Matthew 7:25). Will it stand? Your life will only stand, it will only prove itself to have been of enduring significance, if it is built on godly priorities. Are you making God’s agenda your priority in your work situation right now? What about in your family life? Whatever concerns you most right now, make sure that you are concerned with the same things that God is concerned with. Unless the LORD builds the house, you labour in vain. These are words of wisdom to heed very carefully.
Reflect on your circumstances in the light of its message.
Read Psalm 127.
