18 August 2025

In Psalm 128, the Psalmist reveals how this life will be fulfilling. He begins with work. ‘You shall eat the fruit of the labour of your hands.’ he says. The image speaks to us about purposeful and fulfilling work.

It makes us happy and, as the Psalmist says, ‘It shall go well with you.’ How many people find work which is meaningful and satisfying? A high percentage of young people in their twenties are finding this difficult.

In a recent interview, Kate Forbes, the Deputy First Minister, talked about her decision to stand down from frontline politics. She has had a stellar career but argues that it has been detrimental to her work as a mother.

She recognised that there was no joy in trying to juggle two jobs which she considers vitally important. ‘I think you’ve got to have joy in your job to keep doing it.’

The Psalmist agrees. ‘You shall be happy.’ he says about fulfilling work. Many people do not discover joy in their work. But those who see their work as vocational, a gift from God, may find it more readily.