METHODIST DAILY REFLECTION FOR TODAY, WEDNESDAY, 30TH SEPTEMBER 2026 - FUTILITY OF HUMAN EFFORTS

DATE: WEDNESDAY, 30TH SEPTEMBER 2026

THEME: FUTILITY OF HUMAN EFFORTS

PASSAGE: PSALMS 124

1. If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, now may Israel say;

2 If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us:

3 Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:

4 Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:

5 Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.

6 Blessed be the Lord, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.

7 Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.

8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

MESSAGE:

You may currently be ruminating on some difficulties, especially, in the hands of men who unduly took advantage of you for what you were never a part of, simply because you cannot speak for yourself. In today's text, Israel, as a nation, was hated, mocked and fought by other nations. Their enemies were envious of God's was orchestrated for their fall. One nation going into agreement with others, all to bring to an end the covenant people. But, God who neither sleeps nor slumbers, always fights for His own in order to discomfort and scatter the plots of the wicked.

Therefore, the psalmist states, "If it had not been the Lord who was on our side,..." when men rose up against us.... they would have swallowed us alive, when their wrath was kindled against us." Israel is a nation loved by God and because of His divine covenant with them, the enemies in different ways have waged attacks against her.

Israel hardly rests from external aggression. The nation had fought several wars and she is still fighting the enemies today! Yet the protective hands of God is with them and they keep triumphing all the way.

This is a lesson to everyone that God gives protection. Hence, man's efforts to save himself, protect his family and property are only efforts in futility. This buttresses the futility of human efforts in Psalms 127:1, that, "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain." This is simply an admonition that we must not depend on our wisdom or strength, but in all we do, we must allow God to direct and empower us.

Have you laboured so much doing all in your power but getting little or no result? Have you trusted men with your resources and words, but got disappointed? It is now time to surrender your wish and plans to God. And you will be surprised how fast and far your life will rise. God will surely bless your efforts.

MEMORY VERSE

"Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain." Psalms127:1

HYMN: MHB 516(66.9.D and refrain) WHEN we walk with the Lord

I. WHEN we walk with the Lord

In the light of His Word

What a glory He sheds on our way

While we do His good will,

He abides with us still,

And with all who will trust and obey.

REF:Trust and obey,

for there's no other way

To be happy in Jesus,

But to trust and obey.

2. Not a shadow can rise,

Not a cloud in the skies,

But His smile quickly drives It away;

Not a doubt nor a fear,

Not a sigh nor a tear,

Can abide while we trust and obey.

3. Not a burden we bear,

Not a sorrow we share,

But our toil He doth richly repay;

Not a grief nor a loss,

Not a frown nor a cross,

But la blest If we trust and obey.

4. But we never can prove

The delights of His love

Until all on the altar we lay;

For the favour He shows,

And the Joy He bestows,

Are for them who will trust and obey.

5.Then in fellowship sweet

We will Sit at His feet,

Or we'll walk by His side In the way;

What He says we will do,

Where He sends we will go

Never fear, only trust and obey.

PRAYER

Almighty and gracious God, grant that every genuine effort we make receives Your blessing that our futility be turned to bountiful rewards through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

READ:

DAY: Zechariah 8-12

NIGHT: Zechariah 13-14

METHODIST DAILY REFLECTION FOR 30TH SEPTEMBER 2026 - FUTILITY OF HUMAN EFFORTS