Thursday, July 15, 2010
Psalm 127:1 Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.
SUCCESS DEPENDS ON THE LORD
In this psalm (written by wise King Solomon) the truth is emphasized that, when we engage in an activity, success depends on much more than our own hard work and sweat. The all-important factor is that our heavenly Father bless our labor.
The instruction this psalm provides was important for God's people living in the days following the exile. Their nation was just getting back on its feet. They were busy constructing houses and cities to live in. Their temple was being rebuilt. A two-fold temptation confronted them: 1) To rely on their own abilities for success in these ventures, and 2) To get discouraged, thinking these projects were going to be too hard to complete. As they chanted this psalm along the way to Jerusalem they would have been greatly encouraged by the reminder that success in their undertakings did not depend on their efforts but on the blessing of their almighty and all-merciful Lord.
The psalm has beautiful application for us Christian pilgrims in the projects we engage in through the duration of our heavenward trek. Whether it be planting a tree in the back yard or planting our children in God's garden. Whether it be constructing a house or building Christ's Church through preaching the Gospel. Whether it be a secular business enterprise we're involved in or the spiritual enterprise of building a Christian home, family, or marriage. What a comfort to know that success depends, not on our own ability and "smarts" but on our Lord's prospering hand, and that nothing we do for Him is ever useless.
All depends on our possessing God's abundant grace and blessing,
Though all earthly wealth depart. They who trust with faith unshaken
By their God are not forsaken And will keep a dauntless heart.
(Lutheran Service Book, 732:1)
