Monday July 10, 2023

Today is Monday, July 10 and we are studying what the Bible says about Christian work.

In the morning, I seek the presence of God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I pause to rest, quiet my mind, close my eyes and slow my breathing. I breathe in and out, in and out and center myself on the One who loves me.

Pause and Pray

Holy and Loving God, walk with me on this daily pilgrimage. Show me how to follow in your footsteps, persevere in faithfulness and progress in holiness through the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

I praise God for his goodness and rejoice with the words of Psalm 127, a Psalm of Ascent.

Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves. Psalm 127:1-2

Pause and Pray

This week’s Psalm of Ascent is Psalm 127. We have been journeying to Mount Zion along with the ancient pilgrims for eight weeks now. We are exactly halfway through the Psalms of Ascent. The first pilgrims who sang Psalm 127 expended much effort to arrive in Jerusalem. They came great distances and overcame many perils and problems. There would be a tendency to congratulate themselves on their successful journey. As spiritual travelers on the road to holiness, we have also encountered difficulties and setbacks as well as successes. There might be a tendency to take credit for our achievements. Psalm 127 reminds me that any progress in the spiritual life is accomplished through God’s work, not mine.

Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves. Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court. Psalm 127:1-5

We have a God who works. In the beginning God created everything (Genesis 1:1). He did something, he made something, he fashioned the universe, the sky, the sea and the land. God is always at work – he builds, he guards, transforms, helps and heals. God is working and he expects his children to work. From the beginning, Adam and Eve were tasked with overseeing God’s Creation, working the garden and caring for the natural world (Genesis 1:28, 2:15). Work can bring many blessings to our lives – relationships, financial security, purpose and meaning. Our work has the potential to make the world a better place.

Ask: In what ways am I currently employed – at home, at a job or as a volunteer? How am I working with God to accomplish his will in my world?

Pause and Pray

Loving Lord, you remind me that my anxious toil, long hours, and striving are worthless if I am doing it without you. I watch over my life and construct my days in vain when I do it on my own. I look to you to build what you want out of my life. I look to you to watch over all my comings and goings. Help me to focus on what really matters in my work – helping people, building relationships and showing love to others. I read the words from Psalm 127 again and listen for the message you have for me.

Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves. Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court. Psalm 127:1-5

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

As I reflect on this Psalm of Ascent, I consider what I am “building” with my life. Am I doing it on my own, or am I allowing God to work through me? I consider what I am “watching over.” Am I doing it on my own, or am I allowing God to work through me? God wants me to focus on people. How are people being helped by my work? Perhaps God wants to reveal the underlying motivations for the work I do. Who does my work serve the most? Myself or someone else? Maybe God wants to reveal the purpose and meaning of the work I do and help me realize the true value of my daily toil. Small labor done in God’s love can have a big impact.

Pause and Pray

Come, Holy Lord, and shine your light on the misconceptions of my heart. Help me understand the way you value work is different from the way the world values work. Reveal the places where I have impure intentions, lazy tendencies or prideful ambitions and restore a servant’s heart of diligent, humble love. Show me how to join you in your work today. Amen.

Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” John 5:17

There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 1 Corinthians 12:5-6

I leave this time of prayer confident of the One who is working in me, I go to be his hands and feet and invite him to work through me.

Amen