Day 29 May 22, 2006

 

Read:   Psalm 127

 

Reflect on:   It is a fact that security and blessing come from the hand of God.   In my own strength my efforts are futile.   In the world where we live it seems that every attempt is being made to separate the secular from the spiritual.   This Psalm, however, states that unless God is involved, our personal diligence in any area of our lives is in vain.   Fill in the blank:   Unless the Lord builds _______________...what?   Your family, your business, your relationships, your security, your support system?   If the Lord is not in on it, if I have not consulted Him, listened to Him, followed His direction—it’s in vain!    This is certainly not to say that hard work and integrity on our part are not required.   But simply that we must be in partnership with God in all things, work hard, and leave the results to Him.  How much more is this important when it comes to family.   The Psalm speaks to me, reminding me that children and family are gifts from His hand, not to be neglected by an overzealous need to achieve my own goals.  These are blessings not to be taken for granted, but to be cherished.    When our son Adam was small, he thought if he closed his eyes no one would be able to see him since he couldn’t see them.   I’m fearful that many today are closing their eyes to the responsibility of family and relationship, going their own way, avoiding God’s involvement and requirements.   Unless the Lord builds our families and our relationships, we’re in trouble!

 

Adoration:  Let’s praise the One who desires to be a part of every area of our life.   His desire is to walk along side, and be our constant companion and guide.   His promise is that, when we call to Him, He will answer us.   We don’t have to do it, build it, manage it on our own.

 

Confession:  When we fail and go in our own strength, all we need to do is confess it to Him who promised if we would, He would faithfully forgive.   May the cry of our hearts be that He be the builder of our lives!

 

Thanksgiving:  Thank the Lord for His many blessings of family, relationships, and direction.

 

Supplication:  Ask the Holy Spirit to teach us to trust God more each day, to prod us to remember our partnership with Him in all things.

Father God, thanks for reminding me that You must be involved in every area of my life in order for it to count.  Forgive me for trying to do it my way, in my own strength.  Teach me to trust You in all things.   May the efforts I make with my family, on the job, in my church and community activities be directed by Your Holy Spirit so that my effort will not be in vain.   Especially today, Lord, I thank You for my family.   I lift up families to You, that the hearts of parents will be turned toward their children to be channels of Your love and grace.   Build our homes as a testimony to the world that the Builder does all things well.  And thanks for not requiring anything of me that You haven’t equipped me to do.  You are a great God!   In the Name of Jesus.  Amen!

 

LloyDene Westmark

Tillamook Church of the Nazarene