Psalm 127: Who is Building Your House?

 

The Master Builder  

“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” (verse 1)

So many principles come to mind when I read this verse. Houses represent our lives and what we’re building inside them. Most people build their lives in traditional ways. Look for a job, get married, start a family and grow your wealth. Nothing is wrong with that. The pursuit of happiness might not be a spiritual principle but it’s a cultural norm. But our success in the important ways is tied directly to our trust in Him. No matter what the skill level of the builder, if you aren’t putting the Lord first your foundation is shaky.

Who is building your house?

If you’ve ever woken up and realized your efforts aren’t getting you anywhere, it’s likely you’re view of God is wrong. I had the realization that my image was way off, after reading the Bible with intention. Cosmic Santa was the phrase that stuck with me. I heard it described as a way that young people view God. “Cosmic” because He is out there in space somewhere and “Santa” because he give gifts. I’m embarrassed to admit that for years it was my view of God. He was a kindly, jovial old timer that makes sure your personal hopes and dreams come true. He’s there to affirm your desires and grant your wishes, just as long as you live right. Ugh. Where is the sacrifice in that, where is the accountability?

I was building my house with hopes and dreams, with a god that didn’t exist. The surest way to lose your home in a storm is with a soft foundation. I can remember being so upset with God when my conception of success didn’t pan out. But my foundation was soft thanks to my ill-conceived notion of God. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. I wasn’t seeking Him. I wanted a life coach to encourage my efforts and a generous gift giver to cover me when I went over budget.

How do you start?

We learn about the nature of God in the scriptures. Joseph (Genesis Chapters 39-44) was forced to grow up as a slave and a manager, then a prisoner. After his 13 years in captivity, he knew how to trust in the Lord for his provision. He didn’t have the luxury of seeing God as a cosmic Santa. His owed his life and existence to God. All of it was grueling and he probably thought about death constantly, especially after living a comfortable life as his father’s favorite son. God didn’t waste Joseph’s time, despite what it might have looked like in the moment. Every trial he encountered became the framework for future excellence. He learned the Egyptian language and culture at Potiphar’s home. It’s important if you’re going to make decisions for a country full of Egyptians.

He learned how to divide meals among the men properly and read men’s intentions in prison. Both critical skills when you need to save up for a famine and not get swindled by devious people. Joseph’s life proves that God is on His own schedule. He builds our house when we let Him, but not without our faith in His timing. Trusting God the homebuilder looks a lot like grinding away at low wage job or struggling to gain respectability. Faith grows in tough soil. It’s impossible to discover God’s will for our lives without developing a life dependent on Him.  

How do I think differently?

The biggest challenge for young people is taking all of their talent (much of it imagined) and handing it back to God. This doesn’t mean going into ministry (necessarily) or avoiding jobs with the potential to earn big money. It means seeking His will in all situations and letting the Holy Spirit put you where He will. Talented people can go very far on their own abilities but eventually even the best will stall out. We were never meant to do this alone. Trust in the Lord and His wisdom for your life.

What happens when you don’t trust God to build your home? Esau never had a relationship with the God of his father Isaac. He built his life on self reliance. In a moment of weakness he gave up his birthright because he held it cheaply. Whatever your view of God, cosmic Santa or insignificant deity, if you’re building your own house the foundation will be soft. The troubles will overwhelm you and you’ll blame the One who you never bothered to learn about, nor let Him build.

Conclusion

When the Lord builds the house, you get to hand over the fear and worry that comes with striving alone. “It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep.” (verse 2) He wants to take our anxieties and give us rest. What could be better?