Psalm 127 (Listen)
127:1 Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Devotional:
Unless the Lord builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the Lord watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain. (Psalm 127:1)
I praise and thank God because His work is never in vain. Do you work to the point of excess, expecting your legacy to be in your misplaced priorities? God warns us that unless He does the building, our work is in vain. Be sure your time is spent where God wants you to be. Then, He seems to point out that if you want a legacy, look at the children He has given you or placed in your life. Value them as a soldier values his tools for the battle. Raise your children to love and respect the Lord and they will grow to bless you, their community, and maybe even the world, and come alongside others as they seek to raise children this way.
Pray It: Father, I confess that I have often sought to build my life in my own strength and for my own glory. Help me instead to look to you in all things, doing them in your power and for your praise. Amen.
Share It: Share a verse or thought from this passage with someone today.