God of my home

It is in vain that you rise up early

and go late to rest,

eating the bread of anxious toil;

for he gives to his beloved sleep.

Psalm 127:2

This psalm is ascribed to Solomon as its author. I can tell because it has got Solomon's wry edge. This verse, in particular, sounds a lot like Ecclesiastes. The whole theme of this song of ascents, sung as travelers and their families made their way to Jerusalem, climbing the temple mount to worship, is the God-given blessing of family, particularly of children. Psalm 127:1 opens with the images of God building a house (household) and watching over the city (family).

Psalm 127:2 builds on the watchman of the city motif, showing the fruitless efforts we will make at guarding and keeping homes without recognizing God's control. We will wear ourselves into sleepless exhaustion trying to do God's job. He never slumbers or sleeps. He builds the house. He protects it.

O Lord,

You have built my home and family. And now with my children grown, half of them so far away from home, I trust You to keep them. Keep my family safe, close to You, close to Your heart! O that they will know Your care!

Amen