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by Victor Isaac
There is a natural tendency for us to rush ahead with plans while placing God at the margin. This verse, “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1), confronts our natural disposition. Scripture reminds us that God is not an accessory to our ambitions; He must be the priority and the foundation of all we do. Jesus echoes this truth in John 15:5: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” Productivity without God may look impressive for a moment, but it lacks lasting fruit. When God is first, guiding our motives, shaping our goals, and directing our steps, our labor rests on a foundation that cannot collapse.
Needless to say, Psalm 127 is not the go-to Psalm for idleness, nor does it condemn hard work; rather, it exposes self-reliance. God invites us to work diligently while depending wholly on Him to give increase. Our gifts, time, energy, and opportunities are not possessions we own independently; they are entrusted to us by grace. We owe nothing, yet God gives everything. Whether building a family, serving in ministry, or pursuing a career, true success flows from God’s blessing, not human effort alone. Like a farmer who plants and waters but trusts God for the harvest (1 Corinthians 3:6), we labor faithfully while allowing God to accomplish His will in and through us. A few years ago, when my wife and I were trying to go back to the US, and we were denied. On my way back from the embassy, I said to God, "Let your will be done, and I will go wherever you send us." I realized that God is speaking to me about where I think my livelihood comes from, so I surrender to Him, so God's will be done in our lives.
Charles Spurgeon, in his sermon on Psalm 127, wisely said, “It was meet that the builder of the holy house should be remembered by the pilgrims to its sacred shrine.” In other words, it is fitting that those who enjoy the blessings of God’s work should remember and honor God as the true Builder. We are often tempted to celebrate the visible structure, results, achievements, and growth, while forgetting the unseen hand that made it possible. When a church flourishes, a home is sustained, or a life is transformed, the glory belongs to God alone. Remembering the Builder keeps our hearts humble and our worship sincere.
One of the hardest lessons in building with God is accepting that our human desires by default do not align with His will. We may have sincere plans, yet God lovingly redirects us for our good and His glory. John 15:5 teaches us that abiding in Christ means yielding control, trusting His wisdom above our own. An encouragement to you, Submission is not weakness; it is faith. When we surrender our plans to God, He reshapes our desires and leads us into fruitfulness that endures. Remember that whatever God builds in His way will stand forever.
Prayer:
Thank God for the gifts of time, ability, opportunity, and accomplishment, acknowledging that all come from Him.
Ask the Lord to expose areas where you rely on your own strength instead of His grace.
Pray for a heart that remembers and honors God as the true Builder of all that lasts.
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