128 Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,
who walks in his ways!
2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
around your table.
4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
who fears the Lord.
5 The Lord bless you from Zion!
May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life!
6 May you see your children’s children!
Peace be upon Israel!
After reading Don Whitney’s book, Praying the Bible, I’ve developed a habit of reading at least one chapter from Psalms each day to let the Lord set my prayer agenda. Yesterday, on November 8, I read Psalm 128.
Thought I’d share a few thoughts…
Noble Warriors helps men walk with Christ and lead well. I was reminded that those who walk with the Lord and fear him are blessed. I gave thanks for that.
At various times in my life, I’ve worked with my hands at physical labor. Now I work more with my mind, my mouth and even my fingers as I type. The Lord has blessed my labor and I’m thankful for his favor.
I was also reminded that sometimes I become jealous of folks whose labor seems to be more fruitful than mine. I had to repent for my jealousy and materialism. I am RICH in so many ways. I need to stop and thank Him for my riches more frequently.
My wife is indeed a fruitful vine. She is a precious treasure. The fruit she brings to my life is not just our children but also her love, support and encouragement for me. It was not good for Adam to be alone and it would not have been good for me to be alone. I praised the Lord for completing me by bringing Stacy into my life.
I also prayed for our three sons and their future wives as well as Hannah and her future husband. We don’t know how God will work in this area, but I prayed for our children and their potential spouses.
***Side note… Hannah’s Sunday school teacher once told me that she noted in disgust during class, “Do you know my daddy prays for my husband? I don’t know why. I don’t even like boys!” I figure this will change.
Our children are indeed olive shoots around our table. They have grown up and are vibrant. We are truly blessed through our children. I’m thankful for this.
And, I sat for a while with verse 6. May you see your children’s children! I prayed for this. I prayed for generations of our family that I hope to meet some day and generations that I know I’ll never meet. I claimed the Lord’s promise to show “steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.” Ex 20:6
Men, have you stopped to thank God for His blessings on your life?
- Have you stopped looking at what you don’t have and given thanks for the ways that you are rich… For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9
- Have you given thanks for the gift that your wife is to you? Did you let her know?
- Have you thanked God for the blessing of your children? Have you prayed for their spouses and their children?
- Have you prayed for generations that you will never see?
I also thought about some couples we know who have never had biological children, yet choose to love the children of others. I’m thankful that these couples minister deeply and broadly to many children, ours included. They will celebrate many milestones, weddings and grandchildren.
Finally, I simply encourage you to answer this question…
What sets the tone for your prayer?
Have you considered letting God set the agenda by letting His Word guide you? Order a copy of Praying the Bible and learn how to let God’s Word direct your prayer.