[1] Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.
God must be the author and builder of my life’s legacy.
Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
God is the one who protects me. Apart from His protection, I watch my investments, protect my property, and secure my job in vain. I cannot control the stock market, my property, or my career. I can be wise with these responsibilities, but I cannot control them.
[2] It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
In my anxiousness, I try to squeeze more time out of the day, but this is a fools errand. Jesus says “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Matthew 6:27). I can’t create more time for myself. I am severely limited! Working from an anxious worry is useless.
I will never get enough done in the day to really feel in control. One of the greatest gifts that God gives is the gift of sleep; going to bed knowing and trusting that He will provide. Therefore, I can stop working at the end of the day because I know that He hasn’t stopped working all things for my good (Romans 8:28).
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34).
[3] Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.
God must be the author and builder of my family. He alone gives the gift of children, and they really are a reward.
[4] Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.
Children, biological, adopted, or spiritual, are my legacy. By God’s grace, they will accomplish greater things than me for God’s kingdom.
[5] Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
The world may mock me when they see how I must daily die to myself for my family, but God calls me blessed. Blessed, because I know that children are a heritage, a gift, a reward. And God is the giver of good gifts, isn’t he? (Matthew 7:11)