If all labor is in vain without the Lord's participation, what follows from this? The words about the sleep...
If all labor is in vain without the Lord's participation, what follows from this? It would be tempting to reinterpret the words about the sleep He gives His beloved as meaning that one who trusts in Him may live like Emelya idling on the stove. Why devote oneself to vain earthly affairs? Would it not be better to recline spiritually and cast every care upon God?
But the Lord blesses neither laziness nor apathy. If our labor is done before His face, and our earthly service becomes service to Him, then such labor can be neither vain nor meaningless. Of course, it can be difficult to discern God's participation in our work; usually we notice only its human component. But this is not surprising, for what is most important and decisive is often imperceptible and may look entirely natural.
This is why the psalmist names as the Lord's chief reward something both so natural and so mysterious: children, the pledge that the life He created will continue and cannot be eradicated.
126 This psalm was probably composed by Ezra, at the return of Israel from Babylon. Those who are returned, are called upon to be thankful; those who still remain there, are prayed for and encouraged, Psa 126:1-6. A song of degrees.
126:1 Turned - Brought the captive Israelites out of Babylon into their own land. Dream - We were so surprized and astonished.
126:4 Turn - As thou hast brought us home, bring also the rest of our brethren. As - As thou art pleased sometimes to send floods of water into dry and barren grounds, such as the southern parts of Canaan were.