Psalm 127

By Sara:

Some recent reflections on Psalm 127.

Psalm 127 (NIV):

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

Psalm 127 (The Message): 

^1-2 If God doesn’t build the house,
    the builders only build shacks.
If God doesn’t guard the city,
    the night watchman might as well nap.
It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late,
    and work your worried fingers to the bone.
Don’t you know he enjoys
    giving rest to those he loves?

When I read verse 1 in The Message, I reflected on how the watchman doesn't stop watching if God is watching over the city.  He still does his job.  I've heard some people say that because God guards their house, there's no need for a guard (watchman), or it doesn't matter if the guard knows what he's doing or if he sleeps all night.  Of course we put our trust and our safety into the hands of God.  But at the same time, I also think this verse is telling us that God uses people to do his work.  He is guarding the city through the watchman.  Just so, he accomplishes his work in the world through us, through our small daily tasks and occupations.