One translation of Psalm 127:2 reads, "He gives to His beloved even in his sleep" (NASB). I believe there's something wonderfully significant in this verse—something easily missed unless we understand that Israel's day began in the evening, not in the morning as it does for us.

Our days often begin with a great deal of hustle. We roll out of bed, grab a quick breakfast, and rush out the door. After all, we have so much to do!

On the other hand, Israel's day began in the evening. They rested and slept, then got up in the morning to join God in a work in progress, for "He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep" (121:4).

Israel's sequence of evening and morning is significant, I believe, because it pictures the attitude we should embrace in all our efforts. Our days should begin by resting in God's infinite ability. When we begin our work, we join God in what He is already doing.

It's useless to drive ourselves in anxious frenzy, "to rise up early, to sit up late" (127:2), as if success depended solely on our efforts. We must work hard and be faithful in all we do, but we must also realize that everything depends on God. He never stops working on our behalf. Before we begin our day's work, we must first find our rest in Him.  —David Roper  — David H. Roper