Why do we do what we do? How do we do it? What is the driving force behind the things we do and the ways that we do them? In a way, the psalm that we have today is asking us those questions, in that the psalmist points out that whenever we do anything in life without a crucial ingredient – God – we miss the point and the act is fruitless.

What the psalmist is saying here is about where our focus is and what our drive is. Are we focused on our wants and perceived needs or are we focused on God? Are we driven to feed our own desires, or to live into the will of the divine? From the Christian perpective, we are called to live into the model that Christ gives us, to serve God and to serve one another, to live into that service joyfully, and to seek the unity of the body and sharing of our gifts.

None of this is about obligation, or guilt, but rather about a reorientation of one’s priorities; about joyfully giving back to the one who gave first. Where does God stand in your heart? Is God at the heart of what you do? Do you work, live, and love because of your own will, or does something greater call you to move about the world?

This passage is of particular import as we make our way to Sunday where the focus reading is John 2:13-25, where Christ cleanses the temple of all that was getting in the way of the people truely coming before God in worship and service. Let us hold both of these scripture passages in our hearts and minds as we seek to welcome God more fully into the center of our hearts, and follow more closely the feet of Christ.

Let us pray

Psalm 127:1-2

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives sleep to his beloved.

Shepherding God, remind us of the path that you walk, the one that you call us to. Guide us so that all we do is inspired by the love you gave and continue to give creation. May we work hand in hand with you as we serve one another. May we live side by side with you as we create spaces of care and support. May we love as you love so that all who feel lost and alone are found and treasured. Help us to center ourselves on you again, speak your word and show us your will. In the name of Christ who clears our hearts to make room for you we pray. AMEN.