The Sixth Sunday after Epiphany (Ps) February 12th

Psalm 127:1-5
1 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.
3 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 Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ps 127:1–5). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Unless the LORD does it, it is done in vain. The LORD is the one who protects and watches over his people. It is all in vain for us to work excessively just to put bread on the table which God provides anyway. The LORD has created all things. It is the duty of every human being to be good steward of the LORD's creation. Therefore, the one who trusts in the LORD is able to rest in peace.

What is your sleep number? How many pillows are on your bed? Have you ever looked at the beds people slept in a hundred years ago? Many beds strung with rope and padded with a thine straw quilt. The padding would give minimal comfort from the ropes. Other beds were simply a slab of wood with a similar straw or maybe fur padding. But the question that I still have is: Why so much fancy sleep technology?

The Psalmist might indicate that most of us would sleep better if we would put our trust in the LORD. Jesus Christ has died for the forgiveness of our sins. The LORD is your creator and provides you with all you need to support this body and life. The Holy Spirit speaks and groans in prayers. Jesus stands before the throne of God as your advocate. It is in him that we can sleep at peace. It is God who gives us rest from our enemies.