Week 49: November 30-December 6, 2025 - Do Not Labor in Vain

This week’s daily readings:

November 30=December 6, 2025

This week’s devotional:

Do Not Labor in Vain

by Rev. David Craig

Scripture: 

Unless the Lord builds the house,
    the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the guards stand watch in vain.
In vain you rise early
    and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
    for he grants sleep to those he loves. 

— Psalm 127:1-2 (NIV)

Reflection:

Among the things that New Englanders are known for is their self-reliance. Sure, we are generous with our time and willing to help a neighbor. However, we are not likely to be caught asking for help, ourselves. We take great pride in being able to handle whatever comes our way all by ourselves.

This is not how we are called to live! In Psalm 127, we learn that our plans, our labors, and the protection of our possessions are all in vain if the Lord is not part of them. In order to fully embrace the blessings that God has for us, we must submit every aspect of our lives to Him, even the mundane details! Instead, we worry too much, trying to manage on our own, and working too hard.

If we can set our egos aside and conform our lives to God’s plan instead of trying to fit God into our own plan, then worry, anxiety, and stress can be things of the past! We do not need to try to do it all; that is His job. We just need to do our part and let Him take care of the rest.

He grants sleep to those he loves.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, as we plan for our lives and for our futures, our families, our careers, our homes, and our aspirations, help us to always keep our focus on you. You are the author of our lives. May we always rest in the knowledge that we are part of your perfect plan. Help us in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen