Day 11

Psalm 127:1-2 “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.”

‭‭I’m a hard worker who loves to achieve. In fact, even when I’m on vacation, I have to achieve something every day or else I feel like a failure. Read a book. Write a letter. Deeply discuss a family issue and make a plan. Something has to be done that is worthwhile or I just hate the day. It’s a compulsion. It is also the reason that Sue and I are almost completely fearless financially. We know that between God honoring the tithe and my work ethic, we will always have income.

That’s why this Psalm speaks so strongly to me.

Control is a myth. Every one of us is one phone call away, one diagnosis away, one car accident away from having absolutely no control over our outcomes. God says that strong work ethics, diligent oversight, and even having guards outside our homes - they are all great, but vanity without the oversight of the Lord. Why? Because the Lord builds the house. The Lord watches over the city. The Lord grants food and provision to His people.

And, He grants sleep to those He loves. Not only that, but the Lord dances over us while we sleep.

Don’t let your lack of ultimate control discourage you or create anxiety. It is simply a fact of life for us all. Instead, let it push you to greater trust in God and to acknowledging that He is the source of all good things. Sleep like a baby each night because that is a gift from God to those He loves. Trust Him and snuggle into His peace tonight as you lay your head down for rest.

Today, reflect on this:

  • Do you need to work harder or to trust God more? Or both? Why?

  • Does this conversation make you want to work harder, rest harder, or sleep better? Why?

  • Make a list of your top concerns and give them over to God.

  • Ask God to give you the best night’s sleep you’ve ever had tonight and to do so because you are trusting in His sovereign protection.

Jim Ladd