HIGHLIGHT
Psalm 128:1–2 (ESV): 1 Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! 2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.
EXPLAIN
Psalms are often placed into four or five categories: lament, imprecatory, praise, etc. If I could create a category, I might suggest “family” for at least Psalms 127 & 128. Both psalms talk about how God will bless the family of the one who chooses to serve God as King.
Psalm 127 begins somewhat negatively, saying that unless God builds the house, the builders build in vain, but the psalm ends with great positivity. Psalm 128 is completely positive. The one who references God and obeys him will eat of the fruit of his own labor, and his wife and children will be blessed.
The psalm ends with a blessing that the one who fears God may see their grandchildren. Of course, in those days average life expectancy was a lot lower than it is today with the advances in medicine we enjoy. So to see your grandchildren suggests a very full and blessed life.
APPLY
I think almost everyone wants to have a good life. Some may be afraid of getting too old due to the loss of mobility, mental capacity, etc. that we see some experience today. But most people desire a full, abundant, fruitful life.
We do many things to gain, keep, and preserve this kind of life, as well. Some focus on education, work ethic and more to prosper. Some focus on investments, insurance, etc. to grow and protect one’s wealth. All of this may be helpful.
But the truly blessed person is the one who has submitted their life to the lordship of Jesus Christ.
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, I have chosen to live for you and you have blessed my life so far. May I continue to serve you faithfully as you pour out blessings upon me. In good times and bad, life under your lordship is prosperous. So I live with gratitude to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.