Except the Lord builds the house

Bible Text: Psalm 127:1

We have been advised on several occasions that hard work is the key to success. We see this in our day-to-day life, we wake up early and go to bed late, save, invest, all in the quest for a successful life. 

However this is not the way to achieve true success. 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. (Psalm 127:1)

When we do not commit our ways to God, we toil in vain. Although it may seem that our ways are successful through the things we acquire, it is not a success in the eyes of God.

We must fully rely on God for our strength. How can we do this? Relying on God means obeying his commands and being his true ambassador. Our way of life should be that of light and not darkness. We should always constantly pray for strength and be careful to let our ways be in line with the will of God for our lives. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

To rely on God however does not imply laziness. Where we fold our hands and expect manna from Heaven. Note the words of the Psalm, the builders build, the watchers watch. Here it shows that they are working hard but the only thing lacking is that they are are not relying on strength from God.

So we have to update our success formula where hard work equals success now becomes hard work + God equals Success.

When we work hard and achieve all that we think we have achieved, we gain the whole world and lose our Soul. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mark 8:36)

We have no power of our own

We depend on you Holy Spirit

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. I pray for strength for my every day activities. Help me to live according to your will that my success in life will be pleasing in your eyes. 

And unto Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we could ever ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.  

Amen!