31May16

Psalm 127:1-2
Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stays awake in vain.
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.

"Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." This saying was repeated to me frequently when I was growing up. An old proverb that helps to instill a good work ethic in children at an early age. There is nothing wrong with working hard. But, today I want to ask the question... What are you working for? What are you staying awake to watch for? What are you going to bed late and rising early for? What brings you anxious toil?

This verse lays it out very clearly that unless it is for the LORD then it is in vain. You waste your anxieties. You waste your precious hours. Because without God it is all dust. Without God there is no legacy that will last. Without God you work without gain. This doesn't mean that our days should be spent with everyone becoming pastors / chaplains. No, this is a reflection of the purpose behind your work. Are you utilizing everything you do to the benefit of God and His kingdom or are you focused on your kingdom? His kingdom will last forever. Yours will be destroyed. There can be only one King. Have you given your actions eternal purpose or are you continuing to toil anxiously in vain?

The benefit of the eternal purpose is that "He gives to His beloved sleep." See the contrast? One gets no sleep, only anxiety. The other rest securely because they trust that God is in control. Rest easy child of God because you are His beloved and He holds you. Just ask yourself... "Does this have eternal consequence?"