today's meditation (Ps.128) Obtaining Peace and Prosperity

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Psalm 128:1-6) 

1   Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,
     Who walks in His ways.
2   When you eat the fruit of the labor of your hands,
     You will be happy and it will go well for you.
3   Your wife will be like a fruitful vine 
     Within your house,
     Your children like olive plants 
     Around your table.
4   Behold, for so shall a man 
     Who fears the Lord be blessed.

5   The Lord bless you from Zion,
     And may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
6   Indeed, may you see your children’s children.
     Peace be upon Israel!

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

A lot of people think that becoming a Christian means everything is going to be perfect and easy.  Well - not until we reach heaven!  Until then, verses 1 and 2 lays it out very nicely and succinctly.  In order to obtain inner peace, blessings and "prosperity", we need to be doing several things.  We need to:

- "fear" (respect, worship and trust) the Lord

- walk in "His ways"(being obedient in God's will)

- labor (in whatever job or task God calls us to do)

- nurture, encourage and care for those around us

- enjoy the fruit of our labor (and some of these rewards will be waiting for us in heaven)

Besides creating us to have a close relationship with Him, God created us with a purpose to serve Him and others.  And He created and equipped us to enjoy working, so that we can enjoy the fruit of our labor.  All the while, fearing the Lord and walking in His ways will build a stronger relationship with Him, and those around us.