November 21, 2021 – Psalms 126-130

A couple thoughts. First, the psalmist writes about the fear of and obedience to the Lord and the blessedness of honest and regular work: “How blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways. When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands, you will be happy and it will be well with you” (128:1,2).

A second thought: Jesus taught, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). So, two seemingly conflicting thoughts, yet, they are not at all at odds with one another.

Yes, we look to a new heaven and earth and the joy of presence with Christ. But God very much cares for us and desires that we have what we need as we make our way through this world and that largely through the industriousness of our hands and minds. Charles Spurgeon: “In God's view it would not be a blessed thing for us to live without exertion, nor to eat the unearned bread of dependence. The happiest state on earth is one in which we have something to do, strength to do it with, and a fair return for what we have done. This, with the divine blessing, is all that we ought to desire, and it is sufficient for any man who fears the Lord and abhors covetousness. Having food and clothing, let us be therewith content.” Just that.

O blest is ev'ry one

That doth Jehovah fear,

That walks his ways along

For thou shalt eat with cheer

Thy hands labour

Blest shalt thou be, it well with thee

Shalt be therefore. –Anonymous (Old English hymn)