Tuesday 3 February 2026

Psalm 127

Background
The beginning of today’s reading has echoes of the Beatitudes, which we read on Sunday (Matthew 5:1-12).

Here the focus is on being blessed for enduring temptation, or trials. Both words have the same root in Greek, and hence the words 'time of trial' can replace 'temptation' in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:13). This is not the type of superficial temptation we might imagine, such as abstaining from cake and other attractive treats in front of you, which you know aren’t good to eat in excess. This is much more about the common and expected trials of life that all of us face: the ups and the downs, the challenges and the difficulties, and how a positive response to those times of trial helps us to learn, grow and strengthen.

The author also challenges the suggestion that God deliberately puts temptation or trials before us like some form of heavenly assault course. They point to God’s perfection, that God cannot be tempted by evil and it is therefore not in God's nature to tempt anyone (v. 13). Instead trials and tribulations often stem from actions we have already taken.  One sinful action can lead to another (v. 15) and before we know it we are in deeper difficulties.  However, those that learn from these trials and can avoid making further mistakes will be blessed by God.  As the winning sportsperson was crowned with laurels in ancient Greece, so will those who endure and learn from their difficult experiences be spiritually rewarded.

Describing God as the 'Father of lights' (v. 17) is unusual, but again has Old Testament echoes, this time of the creation description in Job “when the morning stars sang together and all heavenly beings shouted for joy” (Job 38:7).  This positivity is underlined by the affirmation that every generous act and perfect gift is from God (v. 17), in clear contrast with the previous point that no evil comes from God. It is through God’s abundant generosity and goodness that we are given the privilege of being the first fruits of his creation (v. 18). But clearly that brings responsibilities.

To Ponder:

• Pray for those you know who are facing times of trial and consider whether there is anything you can do to help them.
• Give thanks for the times you have seen the goodness of God at work this week.

Prayer
Creator God, we thank you for the beauty of your awesome world. Help me to resist the temptation to do things that undermine it, and instead, through your goodness and grace, guide me to help restore and sustain it. Amen.

Bible notes author: Dr Richard Vautrey
Dr Vautrey is a local preacher and church steward in Leeds, and a former Vice-President of the Methodist Conference. He works as a GP and is a former chair of the BMA's GP committee.