Jason Silver

Friday, November 22nd, 2019

How do we measure success in 2019?

Many individuals are considered blest if they have a large home, an expensive automobile, take multiple vacations and holidays, and earn a large pay cheque. Many people believe happiness is connected to their bank account. Most think that they'll be happier if they could only wield more power, influence, and fame.

So it's quite a contrast to read Psalm 127, where Solomon (or possibly David, to Solomon), sings about the pointlessness of staying up late, and rising early, trying to get ahead, and stay ahead.

I love the metaphor in verse 2, "eating the bread of anxious toil." That's a kind of bread I'd rather not eat! Not only is anxiety terribly uncomfortable, but stress has been linked to many illnesses. As Jesus said, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?"

If wealth and plenty are not a sign of blessing, then what is? According to this scripture, family is the point. The "fruit of the womb," is what brings happiness. I know that this goes against the grain. So many people think that having children is too expensive! One, or maybe two children is the norm. As a father of four, I can say with authority and honesty, that each additional child has brought us more happiness and satisfaction than money could ever buy! We may not have all the boats and cottages and European vacations that some people have acquired, but blessings many times over.

If children are like arrows in the hand of a warrior, then our quiver is full, as it says in verses 4 and 5!

For those of you reading this, who are still young, and have lots of time to build a family, let me entreat you to put God first! Don't labour in vain, but let The Lord build your house!

Amen