Yesterday was a full day at Palmetto Shores Church. We continued in the “Songs of Ascent” with Psalm 127. These two verses back-to-back make for some interesting reflection. Psalm 127:2-3 says, “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. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
As a parent of young kids, it can feel like I have to be the one to cover all the bases. I am regularly tempted to overwork and over-parent. But this Psalm reminds me that God pours out supernatural power into this world, so I can trust Him. On the other hand, I can read something like this and think—kids? sleep? How can life be restful with children in the mix? But then again, I am reminded that the Lord knows the rest I need, and He has said that kids are a blessing in my life. So I can trust that His word and His ways are true.
It leads me to want to pray—”God, give me the appropriate rest I need and the strength I need while I live within the boundaries You have set for my life. Show me the ways that I am not God and the ways that You are God, so that I can rest in You and also witness Your power in my life. When my kids seem to ‘steal’ my sleep, show me that You are the God who gives me the rest that I need. And lead me into a sacrificial life on behalf of my kids because they truly are a joyful blessing.”
The Lord Bless You
