Psalm 127:1 "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain."
Sometimes we hear someone described as being a "self-made man." May I
say just now that there is no such thing! "Except the LORD builds the
house..." Our Lord is telling us that unless He builds, we can do nothing
of our own. Jesus spoke it in this manner, "Without me, you can do
nothing." I try to often remind myself of this great truth. You see, our
prideful self can easily try to slide up into a position where we think we
actually are doing something good on our own ability. James reminds us that
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down
from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of
turning." (James 1:17) The ability to accomplish good things in life comes
from one, and only one, source: our Heavenly Father. Without the Lord providing
the ability to labour, we cannot do anything. Without the Lord providing the
knowledge and wisdom, we cannot do anything. Yes, I'm stressing this fact
because people can be too hasty in not giving credit where credit is due.
The one person who deserves credit is our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
The Psalmist continues to say that not only can we not build on our own, but we
cannot provide protection on our own. The Bible speaks of setting watchmen
on the gate to be lookouts for the enemy who tries to come sneaking into our
lives. We are to be aware of our surroundings at all times for Satan is
masterful at sneaking his ideas and thoughts into our minds. "Except
(unless) the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." We are
completely dependent upon the Lord for all things and matters of life. We might
think that we can do it on our own, but the truth is told in this one verse of
Scripture that we look at today. People need the Lord. I need the Lord. You
need the Lord. We do ourselves a great injustice when we think we have full
control of our lives. Heavenly Father, please be the builder and the watchman
over our lives.
1 Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after thy will,
while I am waiting, yielded and still.
4 Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Hold o'er my being absolute sway.
Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!