 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. 2 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. 3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children[a] of one's youth. 5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. Meditation God’s generosity is so great that He gives even while His beloved is sleeping. When we rest in God’s steadfast love, He promises to work while we dream. The limitations of our need to rest become a balcony from which we can see God building, securing, providing, and blessing. Solomon addresses three basic burdens for humanity: Building (1), security (2), and family (3-6). The work and preoccupation of people with these necessities can be “anxious toil” unless the Lord Himself builds, secures, provides, and blesses. We can rise early and work hard, but unless the Lord works then our work is in vain. God’s faithfulness is our foundation so much so that we know when we are sleeping, He is building (1-2). Genesis 11 illustrates this well- Does the large family (genealogy) or tower of Babel give security, or building the city profit the people? No. Likewise Solomon, the author of this hymn, was a “successful” builder with many wives and children. But His building became irresponsible, kingdom divided, and family fractured. Unless the Lord builds, secures, provides, and blesses… everything is vanity, a chasing after the wind (Ecclesiastes 1:14). God’s generosity is so bountiful that He wants to bless you, even while you are sleeping. Jesus slept inside the boat with disciples during the storm (Mark 4:38-40) and while He was sleeping our Savior was securing them, building faith. How much more can we trust that while we are sleeping our God is building the house, securing the city, and providing for family? Richly Dwelling - Do you trust God’s sovereign grace enough to know He is working while you are sleeping? -How do Babel and king Solomon illustrate the “anxious toil” of our labor? Where can you identify? Where do you need to rest in God’s steadfast love? -Where do you need to trust Jesus to build, give security, provide, and bless? Be specific in asking the Spirit for more faith. Without it, your labor is in vain. Key Verse 2 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. Comments are closed.
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