By Hearing what is all going on in the world does not inspire great hopes about the future. In fact, parents and parents-to-be bemoan the world that awaits their children. Yet, having children and raising them in the fear of the Lord is a noble thing according to the Scriptures and is highly valued by the Lord. How should believers think about bringing new souls into this world that is so full of sin?
Psalm 127 is the answer. It is a song of Solomon, one of the 1005 mentioned in 1 Kings 4:32 (The Song of Solomon being the most famous, but Psalm 127 is not far behind in the popularity contest!).
To summarise Psalm 127, it begins with the LORD’s hand in giving you a better and safer life in this toilsome and insecure world. Then, somewhat unexpectedly, verses three, four and the beginning of verse 5 erupts with an exclamation about the high honour of having children, yes even many of them! Somehow, though, that topic of bringing many children into this world ties in with the unsafe and toilsome realities of this world’s condition, for the Psalm ends with the confidence that a father of many children has when confronted with those who have set themselves against him.
A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.
Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labour in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake 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 to his beloved sleep.Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
Psalm 127
the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
The point is this. When confronted with the uncertain and unstable conditions of this world, it is futile to fret about it all. Work hard at making your home and your community better and more secure, but trust the Lord to bring the desired success and security. God brings sleep-rich nights to those who do what they ought but trust the Lord for any positive fruit from such labours.
Then, in the midst of all your daily labours, and yes, even in the midst of having enemies that are out to get you, see children as the answer. Your confidence before your accusers one day will be your children. A house full of children is the blessing from the Lord when the world is going bad. We tend to think of sparing our children the hardships of this world; instead, God gives us children to bless us through the hardships of this world.
Pray for children. Love them. Bring them up in the fear of the Lord no matter the state of this world. Work hard at making your home a better and safer place, and trust the Lord to make it all beautiful in His time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).