Blessings, Not Burdens

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Psalm 127:3

The Bradley Intelligence Report at the end of last year said that since the COVID pandemic, population growth in the United States has been sluggish. The U.S. Census Bureau says the nation’s population will begin a decline in 2060, which Bradley says spells out “a substantial risk to economic and social stability in coming decades.” Last month, Dr. Ben Carson, the former HUD Secretary and renowned pediatric neurosurgeon, discussed population decline, referring to God’s command to Adam and Eve to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). Current population growth, according to the National Center of Health Statistics, show women in America having an average of 1.3 biological children. “That isn’t multiplying,” Dr. Carson said, “It’s subtracting. To have two children breaks even. To multiply means three or more.” Notably, China’s old one-child policy was officially changed in August 2021 to a three-child policy. 

The “reproductive rights” euphemism for abortion is high on the policy list of many in the political arena. In June 2022, the Supreme Court declared that it is the states’ jurisdiction, through legislation or the votes of their people, to make policies regarding the restrictions on abortion and the protection of the unborn. Many states have already enacted pro-life or pro-abortion policies, while others have measures on the ballot for voters this November.

It is unfortunate that so many people do not see children as a blessing. Of today’s verse, theologian Charles Haddon Spurgeon said, “He gives children, not as a penalty nor as a burden, but as a favor. They are a token for good, if men know how to receive them, and educate them. They are ‘doubtful blessings’ only because we are doubtful persons.” Texas pastor John Sypert said, “The Bible teaches that we’re made in the image of God, and that, therefore, each person on planet Earth has intrinsic value and worth.  This is one of the most basic tenets of the Christian faith.” A Whitney Houston song said, “I believe the children are our future.” So does God! Pray for families and women across the nation to recognize and value the life of the unborn. 

Today’s Verse: Psalm 127:3

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, 
    the fruit of the womb a reward. 

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Psalm 127

Unless the Lord builds the house, 
    those who build it labor in vain. 
Unless the Lord watches over the city, 
    the watchman stays awake in vain. 
2 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. 

3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, 
    the fruit of the womb a reward. 
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior 
    are the children of one’s youth. 
5 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. 

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.


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