Friday, September 16, 2016
Psalm 128:1-3 Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, your children like olive plants all around your table.
LORD, GRANT ME THE BLESSING OF FAMILY HAPPINESS
In this "song of ascent" the psalmist teaches that a happy home doesn't happen by accident. It is a blessing God graciously bestows on those who are faithful to Him and who, in love for Him, their Savior, strive to walk in His ways.
Why was this psalm included in the Songs of Ascents collection? Perhaps it was recognized that the Jewish pilgrims (who were just getting established in the land) needed the comfort this psalm offers. Did they wish to enjoy the blessing of a happy home in the land of Canaan? Did husbands and wives desire the blessing of marital joy? Let them not follow the example of their stubborn, unbelieving forefathers who forsook the Lord. Let them remember Him, serve Him faithfully, and walk cheerfully in the way of His commandments. As they did this He would enable them to enjoy the blessing of family happiness.
The Lord continues to bestow this blessing on Christians today. Where the crown of the home is godliness, where the place of honor is set apart in the heart for Jesus, where He is invited in on a daily basis to be the honored Guest, He gladly consents to tarry with His blessing. And there is happiness.
