Psalm 127:1
Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain. Psalm 127:1
For the third time the block collapsed transforming the tower into a shapeless rubble of wood. It was just another act of play typical of toddlers but the frustration was beginning to show on the face of little Freddie. His attempt to build his skyscraper out of blocks repeatedly failed and what made it especially annoying was that the collapse came just when he seemed to be reaching a satisfying conclusion.
For the third time the block collapsed transforming the tower into a shapeless rubble of wood. It was just another act of play typical of toddlers but the frustration was beginning to show on the face of little Freddie. His attempt to build his skyscraper out of blocks repeatedly failed and what made it especially annoying was that the collapse came just when he seemed to be reaching a satisfying conclusion.
It was time for Daddy to intervene and soon under the expert guidance of his loving hand, little Freddie's tower was complete. The infectious smile captured in the photo immediately shot by Dad confirmed the sense of accomplishment.
Freddie represents any child who has experienced that loving helping hand from a parent or other caring adult. Freddie also represents us as adults. Too often we try to face the challenges of life on our own when our heavenly father stands ready to be by our side just like Freddie's Dad. The Psalmist has a word on this.
Two sentences, following the same structure and thought, make the whole of Psalm 127:1
'Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it.
Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain.
Psalm 127:1 thus reminds us of the futility of shutting God out. God has promised to be there for us. We need only remain obedient and invite his presence through prayer.
In Hebrews 11:11 we are told that Sarah trusted God's promise and "bore a child when she was past the age." We see the same in Elisabeth who bore John the Baptist, fore-runner of Jesus, in her old-age.
The Bible tells us of the promises God has made and the need for our obedience. It does not provide a set of magical solutions for our problems, but like Freddie we should allow God to provide that guiding hand in every situation.
Prayer:
Lord, we can do many things. But unless you add your blessing to our work it will be in vain. By your coming into the world where we live and work you made it clear to us, that we depend on your presence and that we can rely on your blessings to all our doings. Amen.
Freddie represents any child who has experienced that loving helping hand from a parent or other caring adult. Freddie also represents us as adults. Too often we try to face the challenges of life on our own when our heavenly father stands ready to be by our side just like Freddie's Dad. The Psalmist has a word on this.
Two sentences, following the same structure and thought, make the whole of Psalm 127:1
'Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it.
Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain.
Psalm 127:1 thus reminds us of the futility of shutting God out. God has promised to be there for us. We need only remain obedient and invite his presence through prayer.
In Hebrews 11:11 we are told that Sarah trusted God's promise and "bore a child when she was past the age." We see the same in Elisabeth who bore John the Baptist, fore-runner of Jesus, in her old-age.
The Bible tells us of the promises God has made and the need for our obedience. It does not provide a set of magical solutions for our problems, but like Freddie we should allow God to provide that guiding hand in every situation.
Prayer:
Lord, we can do many things. But unless you add your blessing to our work it will be in vain. By your coming into the world where we live and work you made it clear to us, that we depend on your presence and that we can rely on your blessings to all our doings. Amen.
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