Psalm 127

I cringe when I hear someone ask a young couple, “When are you all going to have children?” First, it’s nobody’s business. Second, having a baby isn’t like putting a quarter in a gumball machine and getting a gumball in return. The couple may have been trying to have a child for some time. An important truth we learned from the study of Genesis is that children are a gift from the Lord.

God made a promise to Abraham in Genesis 12 and affirmed it as a covenant in Genesis 15. God told Abraham, “Look toward the heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then God said, “So shall your offspring be” (Gen. 15:5). There was just one problem: Abraham was in his nineties, and his wife, Sarah, was in her eighties, and they had no heirs. Eventually, years later, they had Isaac. Isaac and his wife, Rebecca, struggled to have children for twenty years before they had twins, Esau and Jacob. Jacob and Rachel, the wife he loved, did not have children for many years. Rachel blamed Jacob, saying, “Give me children, or I shall die!” This accusation angered Jacob, who replied, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?” (Gen. 30:1-2).

I don’t think it is a coincidence that the patriarchs and matriarchs of the covenant had challenges bearing children. God was teaching them and us that children are not simply a result of intimacy, but a gift from the Lord. Psalm 127 confirms this truth.

Psalm 127, attributed to Solomon, is recognized as “A Song of Ascents.” These songs, found in Psalms 120-134, were sung by worshipers traveling to Jerusalem for major festivals. Today’s psalm highlights the significance of family.

Psalm 127:1-2
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. ² 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.

This psalm teaches us that our efforts without the Lord are useless. After all, he is the One who writes our story according to his plan and timeframe. Life apart from God is pointless. Parents who build their families without God “labor in vain.” Those who try to protect their homes without God stand watch in vain. As believers, we strive to work diligently and bring value to those we work for and with. Work without God is inconsequential—whatever we endeavor to do without him is futile.

Sometimes, our plans to accomplish something without God can lead to shortcuts. When Abraham and Sarah couldn’t have children, Sarah gave her servant Hagar to Abraham…and he concurred. Ishmael was the child of that union. But Sarah soon became jealous of Hagar as Hagar meant to usurp Sarah’s standing. There were issues between Ishmael and Isaac until Hagar and Ishmael were finally sent away. We have already mentioned the tensions between Jacob and Rachel and her demand to Jacob, “Give me children, or I shall die!” When we take matters into our own hands, our attempts become worthless and destructive. Writing our story without God is pointless and dangerous.

Psalm 127: 3-5
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. ⁴ Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. ⁵ Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

The account of Genesis reminds us that children are a gift from God. He allows conception to occur and knits us “together in [our] mother’s womb” (Ps. 139:13). The psalmist compares children to arrows in the hand of a warrior. A man whose quiver is filled with arrows is prepared for battle. Parents whose table is filled with children are blessed by the Lord.

In God’s story, children are a blessing to their parents, but there is more to it. God’s covenant with Abraham relies on this gracious gift. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived and died. Yet their children, their children’s children, and the following generations carried the promises into the next generation. We must show our children who God is, how he works, and how to trust him. God says, “Let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation” (Joel 1:3).

All our days are written in God’s book (Ps. 139:16), even before we are born. If God wills, part of our life story includes children. We must teach our children, help them understand how God fulfills his purposes, and then prayerfully watch as he writes his story in them. In this way, we pass on God’s story from generation to generation…until Jesus returns one day.

One more thing. God is an amazing God, and he is writing an incredible story in your life. The Author may choose not to include children in your journey. That doesn’t make your story unfinished. Remember, this is God’s story in you, and his story is always full, complete, and perfect.

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Read Psalm 127. As you read this psalm, note that we can do nothing worthwhile without God. Acknowledge that children are a gift from God and must be protected at all stages of life.

Talking to God
If God has given you children to raise for him, you are not owners but stewards of this beautiful gift. The responsibility is heavy. Ask God to help you build your home to honor him.

Have Questions?
If you have any questions about today’s reading or teaching, please feel free to ask. Our team is here to assist you as you explore God’s Word. Simply submit your question below, and they’ll reply soon.

Two more things:

1. Go to ronmoore.org/lifemap for an exercise that will help you discover how God is writing his story in you. I have included a life map of Joseph that will serve as an example.
2. We will meet on a Zoom call today at 7:00 p.m. to review what we have learned in Genesis and answer questions. Here is the information you will need to connect to the call:

Zoom Call to Review and Discuss Genesis
Feb 25, 2025, 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87298239517?pwd=bKslWfHX6cEVsseobgbSmaW8C6rP6C.1
Meeting ID: 872 9823 9517
Passcode: 857244