Worried? How About a Song?

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)

Let’s face it, this economy is enough to give a person nightmares, and sleep deprivation. In fact it does!  Many of us Americans are a very anxious, sleep-deprived, sedative-taking bunch! …not to mention being a little on the grouchy side once in a while.  Many folks would probably like to punch the disgustingly cheerful “Don’t worry, be happy” guy in the mouth!

While there certainly aren’t any “easy buttons” to push and make our problems go away, we do have some wonderful assurances from our Creator and Savior that He not only cares about these things, but He’s in charge of them.

Psalm 127 is part of a collection of the ancient, God-inspired songs (psalms) that people probably used to sing as they went up to Jerusalem to worship.  No doubt, they had the same worries that we do today: “How am I going to pay the bills?”   “How am I going to keep food on the table?”  Etc., etc.  This song reminded the ancient Israelite that, though they should work hard for the things that they had, it is God who provided for them.  Therefore, since God is good, and He loves His children, it is a waste of precious time (sleep) and emotion to lose sleep over worrying about what we cannot control.

Is this ancient song just another breezy, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” song?  Nope.  Look at verse one.

 Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.  Unless the Lord watches over the city the watchman stays awake in vain. (Psalm 127:1) 

These are two ancient pictures of safety and security (building a home and guarding a city at night).  The psalmist is saying that unless you’re trusting in God, it’s futile to feel or be secure.

Verse 2 says, that it’s futile to worry about things that God can handle.

Many people are simply trusting in themselves and their own efforts to navigate through life without a thought about the One who gave them life.  They sing little “Whistle-in-the-Dark” ditties to themselves to get them through hard times instead of turning to the One who actually can get them through.

The message of this beautiful God-written song is simple yet profound:  Trust the Lord throughout your life. Just as these people probably sang it while traveling to Jerusalem, you and I can meditate on the truth it proclaims “Don’t Worry, Trust God.”   The One Who sent His Son to die for you is the One you can trust.

Now that’s enough to make you happy.

Just Thinking…

I just purchased a used iPod and I think that with enough time and several mistakes, I’ll be able to tool around that thing easily.  I don’t have a smart phone yet, but I imagine, in time, I’ll be an owner.

You’d think with all our cell phones, video calling programs, social media, etc. etc., that we’d be experts in communicating with each other…

Not so fast.  Go to any restaurant, airport or any public place and what do you see?   Head down and faces buried in a smart phone screen.  While waiting for a table at a restaurant, I spied four young teens sitting next to each other, hypnotized by their phones.  I had to laugh.  Maybe they were texting each other!

So does the fact that we can instantly reach just about anyone in the world mean better communication?  Can a text message (kids send LOTS of them) say what is really from the heart?

Don’t get me wrong, All these communication things are great, I love mine.  But can they replace a good conversation from the heart? 

Here are few challenges for 2014.

1. Take time to communicate with yourself.   Ask yourself important questions about your personal life and your relationship with others and God.
2. Take time for others.  Listen to what people say…really listen.  Empathize with others.  Be a true friend.  Be kind to people you don’t (and do) know.
3. Most importantly,  take time to hear the voice of God by reading His Word.  Spend time talking to Him. He wants you to know Him…so much that He gave His Son so that you could be His, if you trust Him.