Reading - Psalm 127-129
Reflection Text - Psalm 127
Paul writes to the church in Philippi, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
In other words, Paul is saying that anxiety and stress and worry can arise often in life and one of the keys to moving past it is found in a relationship with God. This relationship is made vital when we take our anxiety (note, it doesn't say to deny it or claim that a Christ-follower doesn't have it) and, with thanksgiving, give it to God. When this happens, Paul says PEACE comes.
The Psalmist in the first 2 verses tells a story of two different builders. One, in vain, rises early, anxiously toils for daily bread and provision. The other, sleeps when it's time to sleep and lets the "lord build the house."
The difference is in one's relationship with God.
My commentary on verse 2 says, "Anxious and excessive striving to make a living can become a sign of unreadiness to depend on God's presence and help."
In other words, I'd rather live with my anxiety than to allow God to control my life.
What about you?
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