Jesus at the center of it all.
Scripture
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat for He grants sleep to those He loves.” - Psalms 127:1-2
Observation
This scripture confirms that it’s possible to build anything without God. However there’s consequences if you allow that to happen. To “build” also translates to “causing something to continue“ or “to be established”. Building anything requires you to labour. However it’s safe to say just because you’re labouring or toiling for something doesn’t mean that’ll it be well established or stand the test of time. This scripture shows the only exception to that is allowing God to build on your behalf. The scripture also shows us that it’s the Lord that preserves us from danger and not by our own efforts.It’s possible to work tirelessly and have it amount to nothing because God is not involved. It’s safe to say a pursuit being difficult doesn’t always equate to you doing the right thing. This scripture speaks against “hustle“ culture. We know as children of God, we are loved by God (John 3:16) so it is His will for us to rest and not consistently chasing after the wealth of this world which can easily be your master (Matthew 6:24)
Application
Could that be the reason why a lot of things we place our hands in crumbles after a while because God was not in it in the first place ? (Food for thought) Whatever you’re building in life, being it a business, a relationship, a family etc it’s important to ask yourself if God is at the center of it all. Truth be told if He’s not, you’ll work yourself to the ground. Most likely also experience burn out. Whatever we intend to build, it’s important to always commit it to the Lord so that our ways are established (Proverbs 16:3) . No you don’t have to be lazy but you also don’t have to overwork yourself where you don’t even have time for God and the things that truly matter. There’s a reason we’re told to first seek the kingdom. It’s important to take the needed rest because God Himself rested after 6 days of creation (Genesis 2:2).
Prayer
Heavenly Father thank You for Your word today. May Your word continually dwell in me. I commit all my plans to You and I ask that You establish them. Expose the areas in my life where I am labouring in vain in Jesus Name I pray amen.