Unless the Lord builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain. (Psalm 127:1a CSB)

The question is: do you believe it? Caveat: in no way does this mean we “let go and let God.” After all, did Paul not command us, “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10b). I would also refer you to the entire book of Proverbs. With that out of the way, then what is Solomon, the writer of this psalm, saying? He is saying that if God is not in it then it is not. This is a serious issue. The flesh (also known as our sinful nature) has a default mode of do it myself, in my own power, and then ultimately I can claim the credit. This is usually subtle. With me it usually presents itself as seeing me running around like the proverbial chicken with his head cut off. I also like the illustration of the Tasmanian devil from the Looney Tunes Cartoons. He zips through one tree after another. But the job is never finished. The futility of it! So, as we will get to another time, there is no rest (v. 2). So let’s ask the question simply. Today, as you go through your various circumstances, tasks, duties, challenges, and relationships of this day, are you living in reliance on the Lord or on yourself?

We have a divine Master Builder who goes before us. We have a Savior who accomplished his work perfectly and completely on our behalf. We have the Holy Spirit who dwells within the believer. And as Psalm 78:69 notes, this Builder has eternal plans: He built his sanctuary like the high heavens, like the earth, which he has founded forever.

PRAYER: Father in heaven, you are able to do more than I could ever imagine. Help me to rely on you in all my thoughts, actions, tasks, duties, relationships, and in how I love those people you have put in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.