January 8
Build where He's Building
Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Psalms 127:1 (NKJV)
Have you ever been a part of something that just never seemed to take off? No matter how hard you tried, no matter how much time, energy, or money you put in, you still didn't seem to get anywhere. It's like rowing against the current or spitting into the wind.
What's that all about?
It's quite possible that "that thing" was what the proceeding passage in Psalm is describing. We're told that "unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it." This is essentially telling us that there are things in life that God is actively participating in and things that He isn't. There are things He's building and things He isn't. And when it comes to those things He's not building, every ounce of man's labor expended in their direction will be in vain.
We can work and work at something all we want, but if God isn't the one putting things together, all of our time, energy, and money will be wasted. The key to living a productive life is knowing what the Lord is building and joining in…not trying to get Him to join us in what we want to build.
God is into giving, so invest in giving and watch what happens. God is into serving, so invest in serving and watch what happens. God is into prayer, so invest in prayer and watch what happens. You'll find that futility and frustration will turn into fulfillment and fruitfulness, because now you're building where He is.
If you sense you're toiling in vain at something, honestly examine whether or not its something the Lord is building.
Lord, please clear away any obstruction that would hinder us from knowing what and where You're building. We want to be about Your business and not our own.
Think About It…
What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?
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