Psalm 128 Blessed by trusting and submitting to the Lord

Psalm 128

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹ Blessed are all who fear the LORD, 
   who walk in obedience to him. 
² You will eat the fruit of your labor; 
   blessings and prosperity will be yours. 
³ Your wife will be like a fruitful vine 
   within your house; 
your children will be like olive shoots 
   around your table. 
⁴ Yes, this will be the blessing 
   for the man who fears the LORD.

 ⁵ May the LORD bless you from Zion; 
   may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem 
   all the days of your life. 
⁶ May you live to see your children’s children— 
   peace be on Israel.

Daniel’s Thoughts:

Our whole purpose is to fear God and keep his commands. Another way to say this is that our whole purpose is to keep God first to respect his sovereignty then out of that to trust and follow God’s will.

To our modern culture and even in the church words like fear and command are harsh and even wrong to think of in relation to God. We can redefine them and make them more pretty. That is fine as long as we don’t lose sight of the significance. We sometimes water down our faith, the bible and God. We must not do this!

What then does it mean to fear the Lord? In my understanding this fear is a deep respect and submission that comes out of knowing God, his character and his authority (Sovereignty is the Christianese word). I think in the modern church in focusing on the love and grace of God sometimes we lose sight of this the authority of God. He is the creator the beginning and end. God is in control of all things. All that happens and will happen is in accordance with his will. God is also the judge. God’s character is many things: just loving . . .  I think out of knowing God his character and that he is in absolute control we should be deeply respectful of God and submit to him.

God does give us commands. This may seem harsh and not loving. But we must remember that God is for us and not against us. God desires and has plans to prosper us and give us a future (Jeremiah 29:11). God is not out to take our fun and make our life difficult or boring. God has the best possible life for us. He gives us commands that lead us into this best possible life. We sometimes see these commands as burdens, but that is because we have a limited view. In the long run following God’s commands and will is far better for us. It is hard, but far better to submit. But even when we don’t submit, God still uses all things for our good! (Ro 8:28)

As we come to know God and as a result trust and follow God’s will then we are abundantly blessed. Life is still not easy, but it is blessed. Even in the hardship God works all for our good to mature us and bring us closer to him.

Daniel’s Prayer:

Lord

I want to know you more.

I want to come closer to you.

Starting with prayer and study of your word.

I want to know your heart and your character.

Your love and your justice.

But also let me understand that you are in control.

I may feel in control

But I am not.

God help me to trust you.

Lord I believe help my unbelief.

Show me your will and your commands

Help me to submit to you.

I know you will bless me as I follow you

 I have been blessed abundantly!

Thank you Father for all the blessings in my life!

Amen