Psalm 127

“Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain …” (v1). The psalmist reminds God’s people that all our efforts to create, protect, or achieve things are ultimately fruitless without the Lord. In fact, constantly depleting ourselves isn’t God’s will. “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep” (v).

“Children are a heritage from the Lord …” (v3). The best gifts, like children, are a “heritage,” not the result of striving. In partnership with God, our work finds real and lasting fulfillment.