November 6 | Psalm 127
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Keep God at the Center
By Michael Johnson
It can be hard for me to admit it, but sometimes I need a reminder. Regardless of the busyness or slowness of a day, there are times that I quite simply forget or am clueless about something I am supposed to do. I have found a reminder, whether it be one from my iPhone, one that I write down or a loving reminder from my wife, can make a huge difference. Although I get annoyed at reminders, each one helps me stay out of trouble and focused on the task at hand.
I thought about that with Psalm 127 today, because it gives us two reminders. The first reminder we are given is that God needs to be involved in our planning and decisions we make. Why? Things can easily fall apart when we go our own way (verse 1). The illustration we are given is someone building a house or guarding a city. While both are important, both are done in vain if the Lord is not involved, and so often it seems as though I ask for God’s help after I have made my plans or decision. However, the Lord wants to be involved at the beginning and not at the very end of our decisions and planning.
The other reminder that you and I are given is the reminder that children are a blessing from the Lord in verse 4. This is so important that the psalmist uses the word “behold.” This word is used to catch our attention, and we need this reminder as our society at large is not very friendly to children. It seems as though children are seen as a distraction until they graduate from college, get married and start having kids themselves. However, that is not the case at all! The Lord reminds us that children are a blessing from Him in this passage, and Jesus Himself invites children to come to Him (Matthew 19:14).
As we consider these reminders, it is so important to act on each one. Just as an alarm clock can remind us to wake up, it is useless if we hear it, turn it off and go back to sleep. Instead, the challenge for you and me is not only to hear the reminder, but also to keep God involved in every area in our lives and to show love and honor to our own kids as well as to all kids.
PRAYER
Lord God, as You give me reminders today, please help me not only to listen but to follow through on each one. Especially today, please help me to keep you involved as I make decisions and plans. Also, please help me to love and honor my kids and all kids that I am associated. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Johnson
Michael Johnson is happily married to his wife, Gracia. They have three children—Andrew, Maggie, and Sadie—and live in Gahanna with their two dogs. Michael is an ordained Lutheran pastor currently serving at Otterbein Senior Life as a chaplain.
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