SCRIPTURE: Psalm 128

OBSERVATION:
This Psalm expresses the foundational truth that those who put God first will ultimately prosper and succeed. It uses the idea of “blessing” from that day (a happy, healthy and large family, and a long life with grand-children) to express this. Different people will have different ideas of blessing, but they are just illustrations of the foundational truth: whatever “blessing” you seek, it can only be found in putting God first. In other words, “you reap what you sow!” (Galatians 6:7-9)

APPLICATION:
As they journey up the road to Jerusalem, painfully aware that at the present the wicked seem to have the upper hand, the pilgrims remind each other that they will ultimately “reap a harvest if they do not give up”. I need to keep my focus on putting God first, and not on getting ahead or being successful or healthy. The key to blessing is not seeking it, but in seeking God. And all these other things will be give as well (Matthew 6:31-33).

PRAYER:
Lord, how quickly I am distracted from seeking You, and am drawn to all those other things that tempt me. Here again I choose to seek You and Your Kingdom first. Help me persevere in this commitment. May Your peace rest on me, and all those who seek You first! Amen.