Episode 57 - Psalm 128:1 & 2

Psalm 119 verse 24 in the NLT says this: Your laws please me; they give me wise advice. And that is really the way that I look at God’s Word. Honestly, nothing should please us more than our God, and part of that includes God’s word.

 

 

Psalm 128:1-2 (NLT) - How joyful are those who fear the LORD - all who follow His ways. You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be!

 

We have the word all here and the word will and the last sentence ends with an exclamation point. Three small things that we see all the time when we read (even just when we text or scroll the instagram). But those three small things really sort of add up to make this into some big, big promises. 

 

Are you lacking in joy right now?

Well, this psalm is just really frank, completely blunt, nothing hidden here - how joyful are those who fear the LORD. Lacking joy? Maybe it’s a good time to examine your heart for a healthy fear of the Lord.

And then this sentence from verse 1 of Psalm 128 goes on to say that all who follow His ways are really the ones who are fearing the Lord. And that makes complete sense, doesn’t it? I mean, if you aren’t ever in awe of Him, if you don’t ever gasp at His sovereignty combined with His love that took Jesus to the cross, that's some kinda love right there.  It’s supernatural - it’s not of this world. His ways are higher than our ways.

Follow His ways - get that joy back, baby!

 

Verse 2 of Psalm 128 - “You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be!”

 I mentioned before it ends with an exclamation point. That means this is a declarative sentence.

This is here to make a point. Don’t miss the point that God is making. It’s part of His promise to you, so be sure to make note of it. Hint - pay attention in your daily Bible reading when you see an exclamation point. 

 

Are you enjoying the fruit of your labor?

 God intends for you to have joy as a direct result of your living daily following His ways and keeping your healthy fear and awe of the Lord in place and to enjoy the fruit of your labors.

 

Now fruit does not just mean money

Some things you do will have the biggest payout and also pay you nothing (like time spent in worship - a long walk with your spouse - making your favorite dessert and sharing it with your loved ones - raising your children - biggest payout and no paycheck, right?)

 

But wait there’s more! It goes on to say that you will be joyful (so hey God is really stressing the importance of our joyfulness - like, He wants us to know that He wants us to be joyful - and I don’t think it’s like now and then. Lots of joy lots of the time!) But the there’s more part is the promise here of prosperity. And that is the condition of being successful or thriving, especially economic well-being. 

 

There is so much promise here for you and for me.

 

And remember He ends with that exclamation point! How joyful and prosperous you will be exclamation point - that, my friends, is a declarative sentence. He is declaring that if you will follow His ways and live in a state of holy fear and awe and reverence of your Lord God Almighty who sits enthroned in eternity and cannot cannot cannot be unseated - you do that, and guess what He’ll do for you? Fill your life with joyfulness. Allow you to enjoy the fruit of your labor. Bless you with another big ole dollop of joyfulness and just cuz He can He’ll add in prosperity. Success, my friend. You will thrive.

 

Now you get to do a bit of heart work. Don’t put this off - ideally just get after it right now. 

Are you fearing Him? How is your joy factor? Are you enjoying the fruit of your labor? Would you say you are in a state of prosperity? Are you following His ways? 

 

And if you aren’t sure what His ways are, exactly, I want to encourage you to open your Bible to the NT book of John, and start reading. He will begin to show you His ways. The Holy Spirit is so so good at this! Making the Word of God come alive to the people of God! And really dial in to chapters 14, 15, 16 and 17 of John. So many promises, so much hope, so much encouragement there.

 

Grab a copy of my devotional "The Power of God's Will" here - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QG4Q7XH

 

And grab your ticket to The Such A Time As This online summit here - https://theycallmeblessed.teachable.com/courses/for-such-a-time-as-this-summit?affcode=73637_pngouulo 

 

See you back here next time for episode #58!