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 (eg Ukraine) or an earthquake (eg 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 (vs 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 (vs 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 who protect and help us as we live through the challenges of life. Today, as we worship with our church family, let’s re-focus on his gifts to us and our dependence on him.