Psalms 127
Everything done to an arrow is done so that it will fly right when it is let go. Arrows are proven when they are let go. Arrows achieve their purpose when they are let go. Until that moment though, there is much preparation that goes into the making of an arrow so that when it is let go it will hit its mark. So it is with the preparation of children by their parents.
(vs 1) Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. You must build with the right material – For other foundation can no man lay – 1 Corinthians 3:10-11; without me ye can do nothing – John 15:5; the Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge – Prov 1:7; at the Family altar you impart the words of God and pray – chastening, the rod shapes the will and teaches consequences – Instruction is positive and negative – you explain why some things are right, why some things are wrong. Give them the why. The problem with many Christians these days is that they don’t know why.
(vs 2) It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. Worry, early rising, night owl, intense labor and what for? To achieve a state of rest that only comes from God. There is rest in the storm when God is in it.
(vs 3) Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Children are seldom treated this way. Children suffer these days from parental neglect. Children are treated today as a disruption to life. As kids get older, the more distance is placed by the parents. Sometimes kids go astray when we send them astray. Time is the lost ingredient in the teenage years. While most parents are backing away, they should be getting closer. Now is the time to make application as your children are becoming young men and women and can process decisions. Your children are beginning to fight more battles as they become young men and women. Messages without mentors have no impact. 1 Corinthians 15:33.
(vs 4) As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. LETTING GO God’s way (Galatians 4:1-2) – many Christian parents let go of their children when the world says let go instead of when God says let go. Kids are given up to false education before they are even saved or trained in the scriptures (Proverbs 19:27) – Kids are given to relationships before they have a good relationship with the Lord – When does God prescribe “letting go?” Men leave at marriage – Genesis 2:24, Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you” referring to the place he prepared for his bride – Women are under the care of dad until marriage – i.e., Who gives this woman? 2 Corinthians 11:2 – Dad, you need to be closer to your girls as they become teenagers more than at any other time. Why? They will be looking for male companionship and you don’t want to be replaced before you’re ready to be replaced.
(vs 5) Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. A sign reads, “Mom, Dad, please be good to me because I’ll be the one picking your nursing home”