After a highly polarized election in the United States, I sense that we carry a LOT of anxiety around.
To oversimplify, the past four years have been filled with frustration for those who don’t like the current administration. For those who don’t like the incoming administration, seeing their candidate lose is heartbreaking, and there is fear for the future. For some, the stakes feel personal, existential, and even extreme.
Whatever country you live in, there’s always disruptive change. Whether it’s an election, an economic shock, or a natural disaster, our lives can feel fragile.
So, I was grateful to read Psalm 127 in today’s liturgical reading.
The CSB translation reads:
A song of ascents. Of Solomon.
Unless the LORD builds a house,
its builders labor over it in vain;
unless the LORD watches over a city,
the watchman stays alert in vain.
In vain you get up early and stay up late,
working hard to have enough food—
yes, he gives sleep to the one he loves.
Sons are indeed a heritage from the LORD,
offspring, a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the sons born in one’s youth.
Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them.
They will never be put to shame
when they speak with their enemies at the city gate.
William Vangemeren, in the Expositor’s Bible Commentary, says, “In Jewish practice the psalm is recited as a part of a thanksgiving service after the birth of a child.”
Even today, Psalm 127 is a great prayer for the birth of a child. But at a time when the infant mortality rate might have been as high as 50% by the age of 5, I feel this Psalm takes on a different, more vulnerable tone of trusting God.
Whether we’re hoping for healthy children, good crops, a pleasant house, or a safe city, what are we trusting in?
Is it our own effort? The Psalm celebrates hard work (as does the rest of the Bible).
But fundamentally, in my heart of hearts, do I trust God?
Unless I am participating in his work, with his strength, for his purposes, I cannot expect my efforts to succeed. It might look good for a moment, but my life and my work would eventually be exposed as chaff that the wind blows away.
So how do I know if I am trusting God?
I think one hint is in verse 2: I can sleep. I can rest. I can Sabbath.
Not distracting myself with entertainment - but enjoying a quiet moment as I look at a tree, feeling content as I talk with my family, having peace of mind as I hang out with a friend, or taking my time to read the Bible and pray.
And, yes, going to bed and sleeping through the night. What’s behind sleeping? We’re not in control, we’re vulnerable, and we can’t do anything. It’s the perfect reminder of our limitations and our need for God.
Of course, these are general wisdom principles. I’m not blaming anyone with insomnia as having insufficient faith.
What anxieties are you carrying around?
How does Psalm 127 speak to your heart, and remind you of God’s care?
Another way we can feel less anxious? To connect with others. So, I’d love to hear your reflections. 