Text: Psalm 127
This psalm describes the need to trust in the Lord and His design in all of our efforts in life. Whether we are talking about building our homes or building a society, God must be at the center of it. If we forget God, our efforts will be in vain. If we follow God’s plan, there will be a reward. Let us consider some of the things we find in this psalm.
Our Efforts without God Are Vain
- God is the Creator (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 100:3) – this means He is all-powerful; He is able to do far beyond anything we could ask or think (Ephesians 3:20)
- Man was created by God (Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 100:3) – this means we are limited (Ezekiel 28:1-2, 6-10); we are subject to natural laws; there are things that are outside of our control (Ecclesiastes 8:7-8; 9:11; 11:6)
We Must Build According to God’s Will
- We must labor WITH Him – not against Him by acting contrary to His will (Jeremiah 6:16); not without Him, thinking that we can ignore Him (Acts 14:16-17; 17:25)
- In our homes (“the house“), we must build with the Lord according to His will – follow God’s plan for marriage (Matthew 19:4-6), children (Hebrews 13:4; Ephesians 6:4), and mutual support (1 Timothy 5:8, 4, 16; Matthew 15:4-6)
- In our society (“the city“), we need to promote the Lord’s will – righteousness exalts a nation (Proverbs 14:34); pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-4); seek the welfare of the city (Jeremiah 29:7)
The Gift of Children
- This is how we build our homes and our societies – children were recognized as a gift of God from the beginning (Genesis 4:1); one whose quiver is full is blessed (cf. 1 Chronicles 26:4-5)
- Many today see children not as a gift, but as a burden or even disposable – this is the reason why abortion is so prevalent, yet the unborn were made by God (Psalm 139:13-16); this attitude helps explain why our society is in the shape it is in
- Children are like arrows in the hand of a warrior – arrows have a farther range than a sword; one can spread/increase his influence through his children; so train them up well (Proverbs 22:6)
- Enables one to not be ashamed when speaking with his enemies – he has support/defense; children have a responsibility to care for parents (Exodus 20:12; Matthew 15:4-6); the more children, the more care/support (generally speaking)
Conclusion
- There is much we can gain from our homes and our societies – but only as they follow God’s design
- Let us recognize the wisdom and provision of God – work with Him as He builds around us
