Unless the Lord….

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BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.” Psalm 127:1 NLT

Have you ever been involved in activity and in the end discover your hard work and all your effort was in vain? This psalm reminds us that human effort apart from the Lord is done in vain. The Lord is the critical “partner”; the “main ingredient”; the true facilitator for all useful activity.

The vivid reminder is found in three word, “Unless the Lord.” Unless the Lord builds, unless the Lord protects, unless the Lord enables. Notice in this psalm the frustrating end result when the Lord is eliminated from our efforts. The “work of the builders is wasted.” The “sentries (guards) do no good.” All human effort, gifts and talents are expended for naught.

It is easy for me to reflect on projects that I have tried to take on, that were “beyond my skill set.” It was a lengthy, frustrating effort that proved to be a waste of time, until an individual with the knowledge and skill came to the rescue. They made what seemed so challenging a simple task.

That is how the Lord wants us to understand the need for His involvement in our lives. We see in contrast to our tireless efforts and wearing ourselves down, the assurance, “…for God gives rest to his loved ones.” (Psalm 127:2 NLT)

This psalm reminds me of Jesus words, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:31-34 NIV)

In building your life, your family, your future, allow the Lord to work with you, doing what He alone can do.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You that You desire to build, protect and provide for us as we trust in You. Allow us to be quick to express our need for Your intervention in all aspects of our lives. As we do, our efforts won’t be in vain.