1 Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. Psalm 127:1

The same overarching principle in both parts of this verse applies: the Lord is the One who Sustains.

Solomon is not suggesting that the Lord Himself would be out pounding nails and laying brick, though Jesus Himself was a carpenter and could do it. No, the principle is that when God is in control and in the family, a true home can be built.

When He is acknowledged in a town or city, He blesses. When families and cities do things that honor Him, He blesses. As we have studied through the years, blessing come in many forms and fashions: peace, prosperity, provisions, unity, respect, and hope are just some of God’s blessings on us.

It begins in the home, and permeates through to the area you live in.

Most reading this devotional probably live in homes that the Lord has so graciously “built.” Yes, you’ve put in the hard work to honor Him, and He has honored you.

There are others around you, though, who are Believers but don’t enjoy that kind of building. There is strife and turmoil and anger in the home. Perhaps you’re the only one who knows about this home because somebody in the home has confided in you.

Pray for the other parties in that home.

Pray for that friend of yours. You know what the blessings of God feels like. You know what it’s like to live without turmoil and unnecessary stress.

Pray that God would continue to move and act in that home.