Scripture Union Discovery 23rd February 2025 Devotional Message for Sunday
TOPIC: Unless The Lord…..
Opening Prayer
Father, remind me that as you rested on the seventh day so I too should rest. Help me to rest in ways that enable me to enjoy you and appreciate all you have given me.
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Read PSALM 127
Psalm 127
A song of ascents. Of Solomon.
1 Unless the Lord builds the house,
the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the guards stand watch in vain.
2 In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to[a] those he loves.
3 Children are a heritage from the Lord,
offspring a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their opponents in court.
Reflect
Pause … and consciously give to God any worries you have about home and family.
Our culture puts much emphasis on having a nice home, successful family, and career—but what happens to our value if it’s all taken away? There’s a war (e.g., Ukraine) or an earthquake (e.g., Turkey and Syria)—and everything we thought gave us value, status, and meaning can disappear in a moment. This psalm re-grounds our thinking in the stability brought by trust in God alone. He is the One who builds homes and gives families and security.
The first part of the psalm (vv. 1, 2) prompts thoughts about our twenty-first century frantic living. We may get up early and work late into the night. Wise Solomon’s words remind us that it’s a waste of time unless God is in these things (v. 1). In the end, he is the One who gives us peace and rest (v. 2).
The second part of the psalm focuses on family (vv. 3–5). If we don’t have our own birth children, it may be helpful to remember that in ancient Israel families were not nuclear, but inclusive of all who lived and worshipped together (even gentiles like us, adopted into God’s family!) (Leviticus 19:34; Galatians 3:26–4:7). Our families are a gift from God that protect and help us as we live through the challenges of life.
Apply
Today, as we worship with our church family, let’s refocus on his gifts to us and our dependence on him.
Closing Prayer
Thank you, Father, for your many blessings given to me and those I love. Thank you for the blessing of my family and Christian community, and for the countless ways you care for us and use us in each other‘s lives.
Scripture Union Discovery 23rd February 2025 Devotional © 2025 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved
