Ewald Schmidt

A song of ascents. Of Solomon. “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise earlyand stay up late, toiling for food to eat — for he grants sleep those he loves.”

Psalm 127:1-2 (NIV)

Someone once stated that he had spent his whole career climbing the ladder of success. When he finally reached the top, he found out that his ladder was leaning against the wrong wall.

The questions posed by this this song of ascents are, “What makes you happy in life? What gives you peace?” In this world happiness is often measured by status and possessions. I need to work hard to make a success of my life. In the search for happiness so many of my dreams begin with the words: “One day, when I…” I must make it happen. My dreams put so much pressure on me to keep on performing.

Many people who work really hard are still not happy. The society around us demands so much of everyone. One day, many people come to the realisation that their ladder is also leaning against the wrong wall. I work hard, I keep on running in circles like a rat on a wheel, but it feels as if I am going nowhere in a hurry. In the pilgrimage of life this would be a good time to study the map of your life again. It is time to adjust course, if needed. Where am I going at this moment in my life?

For the believer there is a better alternative to this rat race. The success of my life is not measured by what I own, but in who I am. I belong to God, and he leads me on the right path to the honour of his name. I do not need to do anything to earn his approval, through his grace I am already his own. I am already happy in my relationship with God, today. Because I am aware of his mercy and blessings in my life, I rather seek ways to serve him and my fellow man with the time, energy and talent that he has given me. All things I do for God with a grateful heart are blessed already. I will prosper, I will be happy.

This sense of inner peace becomes a reality when my life is in harmony with what God has planned for me.

Prayer: Lord, I toil in vain when I am building my life on the wrong foundation. When you are my foundation, you help me to reach the goals you have set for me. When I do your will, I shall prosper and be happy in my life. Therefore, I give my dreams and plans over into your hands. Lead me on your path, to the honour of your name! Amen