1Unless 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.
2It 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.
I’ve always loved these verses, from the moment I discovered them (I think this was from college, when I listened to Kings Kaleidoscope’s “All Glory Be To Christ”). They resonate deeply with me.
In a world where we humans continue to strive for “great” things, it’s a humbling & powerful verse to remember the God is in control, and He is the potter, while we are the clay. Just like the Tower of Babel – we may try to reach the highest of highs, but unless God is in it, it will not stand.
I resonate with “eating the bread of anxious toil” – since college, I’ve strived to wake up early and enjoy sleeping late. Weariness grows on me. But whenever I read this verse and others like it, I’m reminded of the rest and peace that truly comes from God.