Life Under Construction
We are building our first home. After living in the same old home for 21 years, we are pretty excited. The idea of having a new home, free from rehab and free from constant repair, is pretty exciting. And as I read today’s scripture, I am reminded of what is really important throughout the whole process.
Scripture:
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” – Psalm 127:1
“In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves (for while they sleep he provides for).” – Psalm 127:2
Observation/Application:
Our home is taking a lot longer to build than we had hoped. The weather has not been our friend this wet summer, and we had a few surprises that were uncovered once we started moving dirt. That being said, the process has been pretty painless to date, except for the additional expenses that were incurred along with our unplanned surprises. As I reflect on the whole process, I can’t help but feel grateful and blessed.
But the building of our house is more than the construction of the lumber and building materials. The building of our house began long ago when my wife and I committed ourselves to the Lord. We decided a long time ago that the most important house that we built would not be the one that we physically live in, but the one that lives in us. And the Lord is the center of everything that we do, every decision that we make, every action we take. As it says in the book of Joshua, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” – (Joshua 24:15)
Major decisions like my career, how we will raise our children, where our family is going to live, and who we decide to spend our time with – these are decisions that my wife and I, without fail, turn to God to help us with. We are not perfect, as a matter of fact we know that we are pretty far from it. But thank God that we have a God who is. And we don’t always get it right. But thank God that we have a God who always does. And when we fail, when we fall, and when we don’t know what to do, we always have someone to turn to who will give us the best advice. His name is Jesus, our wonderful counselor. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – (Isaiah 9:6)
Today’s verse reminds us that God needs to be at the center of it all. Not only in our large life decisions, but even in our daily work. God is like one of those residual income businesses like insurance and financial sales, or Internet businesses that keep paying you even after the initial sale, and can print money while you sleep. Like it says in verse 2, “for while they sleep he provides for”. – (Psalm 127:2).
This doesn’t mean that God wants us to sleep and be lazy. In contrast, God warns against being lazy and encourages diligence. Just a few references to this include:
- “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” – (Proverbs 13:4)
- “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” – (Colossians 3:23).
- “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” – (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
- “The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.” – (Proverbs 12:24)
But work in and of itself is not enough unless it is aligned with God’s Will:
- “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” – (Proverbs 16:3).
- “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” – (1 Corinthians 10:31).
- “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” – (Galatians 6:9)
Let our work be the Lord’s work, so that we do not labor in vain. Let us turn to Him for guidance in anything and everything that we do. And let us not grow weary, for God will always supply, will always complete is work, and will always come through.
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your Word today. Thank you for all that you have blessed us with, and all that you continue to do. We seek you first Lord, and turn to you for help, our Wonderful Counselor, Powerful and Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. We know that through you all things are possible. We make our life’s work your work Father. Guide our every step, our every word, our every thought. Fill us with your goodness Lord, and cleanse us from anything that is not pure and holy. Let your Holy Spirit flow in and through us Lord; Let it overflow that others will be blessed by your goodness. We give you all the honor and glory, in Jesus mighty name. Amen.
Image courtesy of: Rachel Ford James
Photo By Rachel Ford James
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