Hidden in Psalm 127, we can discover some wonderful truths about the making of a home and family.
God is the One who builds the house.
“Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted.” (Psalm 127:1, NLT)
While God does not physically build our homes, the psalmist reminds us that our homes and families will only experience success when God is front and center. Without His Presence, success will escape us.
God is the One who protects our homes.
“Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.” (Psalm 127:2, NLT)
God takes very seriously the homes He builds and therefore, He protects them and those who live within.
God is the One who blesses the home.
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” (Psalm 127:3, NLT)
May we remember our families are a gift from God. Each child born into our families is unique and personally placed.
Each day we have with our families is a gift of time. Time to shape and direct lives with a loving, grace-filled, and godly influence.
During the years while they are young and with us, those are the days in which we are to shape and mold them, leaving our imprint on their lives. We can leave them with indelible memories that will linger on.
May we invest into the lives of our families, recognizing they are the ones we will one day release into the world to leave a lasting impact of their own.
In his book, A Family Shaped by Grace, Gary Morland shares this quote:
“We must begin thinking like a river if we are to leave a legacy of beauty and life for future generations.”
– David Brower
We are writing our family stories every day. Like a river, they will flow on long after we are gone.
Homes and families are a big deal to God.
For in and through them,
He does some of His finest work.
We don’t always think about the rays of sunlight as they beam through our windows. Barbara Harper gives us much food for thought in her post Rays of Glory HERE. “May God scatter His light across the everyday “dust” of life–in our homes, cars, stores, churches, neighborhoods.”
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Photo by Jack Anstey on Unsplash
**This is an edited post that first appeared here.
Thanks so much for sharing my post about sun rays!
I so appreciated this post about God’s building and protecting our families. We can be pulled so many ways—often throughout motherhood, I had to remind myself that the people in my home were my main ministry.
Your post is a beautiful one for my One Word, Ripple. May we stay mindful that the relationships we nurture among families and friends can flow out in so many beautiful directions in years to come.
Joanne, as I watch my own family birth the next generation, your words ring true. Unique and personally placed, indeed. As ever, the Psalmist captures the truths of God in our lives and keeps our eyes heavenward.
We just returned from a family wedding and I find myself looking at your post through several lenses this morning. I pray for the future of this new family – may their marriage be grounded in God’s love! I pray for my grandbabies and their parents – such fun to be together, celebrating love and family! And, I pray for my hubby and I as we look back at what we’ve created together with God as our guide! In each instance, God walks by our side, guiding, nurturing as we ebb and flow! I love the river analogy!
That is beautiful – legacy living like a river! I’m in a zoom bible study going over The Familiar Stranger by Tyler Stanton – and he talks about living willing to be interrupted – legacy living requires intentional willingness to be interrupted in order to leave a God-infused legacy like a river! Thank you for your beautiful encouragement, Joanne!
I had never heard the idea of using a river to think about leaving a family legacy, but it’s a beautiful thought. I’m so thankful that God is the one who builds and protects. We do what we can with our children as they grow, but God is the One who will watch over them. For those who have lost their way, I pray that God will bring to their remembrance the truths of His Word and they will come back to faith. He is faithful. Blessings to you!
Beautiful reminder, Joanne, and it’s my prayer that the memories that flow long after I’m gone will run like rivers of righteousness!
These verses bring hope and comfort. Thanks for sharing them.