WHY IT MATTERS //

Life with God is not devoid of effort. There are things God calls us to do. What matters is what we are doing, why we are doing it and whose strength we are using to do it. When we work from God’s grace to do things that He asks us to do we will find that there is provision and peace. When we do things without his guidance, from our own strength, we will often find ourselves toiling and striving without peace.

In Genesis 2 we see God plant a fruitful garden (vs 9) then He places Adam in the middle of it to work and take care of it (vs 15). This is a picture of working from grace; receiving an assignment from God along with his provision to steward the work that God initiates. Then in Genesis 3:17-19 we read the curse that Adam received in response to breaking covenant with God. Now through sweat and toil he will plant himself and he will reap little for his effort. Jesus has broken every curse that sin brought into the world. This include the curse of toiling for little fruit. God desires for us to live fruitful lives, His way.

WHAT IT'S TALKING ABOUT // 

The Psalms are a collection of 5 books of sacred hymns and songs from ancient Israel. Many of them were written by King David himself, though the authorship of every Psalm is not known. Psalm 127 in particular is attributed to King Solomon who lived 990-931BC. This Psalm speaks of God’s provision for those who build from his rest and initiation.

Psalm 127 1-2 NLT

1 Unless the Lord builds a house,
the work of the builders is wasted.
Unless the Lord protects a city,
guarding it with sentries will do no good.

2 It is useless for you to work so hard
from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat;
for God gives rest to his loved ones.