God Builds Families

Reflection of Solomon's Psalm 127

Solomon's theme in this Psalm is 'Life without God is senseless."

All of life's work - building a home, establish a career, and raising a family - must have God as the foundation.

There is a saying that the two best days of a visit from your grandchildren are the first and the last days. There is some truth to this as my wife and I can affirm. We have just spent a few days two of our grandchildren, we love the opportunity when it arises. Our grandson is in his second year being a teen while his younger sister thinks she is in her fifth. Both are growing physically but not without the challenges of bodies growing quicker than minds and emotions. Grandma and grandpa are running to keep up.

I realize it is a great blessing to see your grandchildren grow up. Not everyone gets this opportunity. I look at the kids and see the extension of our lives into a second generation beyond ours. I have memories two generations into my past and see the continuity of life through five generations. Standing on this pinnacle gives insight into a scripture from the Psalms.

Psalm 127 starts by saying,

"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labour in vain." (verse 1)

Families establish homes and watchmen guard cities, but both these activities are futile unless God is with them. A family without God can never experience the spiritual bond brings to relationships. A city without God will crumble from evil and corruption on the inside.

All human labour is done under God's watchful eye. The wise will know this. The psalm continues,

"Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for He grants sleep to those He loves." (verse 2)

God is not against human effort. Hard work honours God. But working to the exclusion of rest or to neglect of family may be a cover-up for an inability to trust God to provide for our needs. We all need adequate rest and times of spiritual refreshment. On the other hand, this verse is not an excuse to be lazy. Be careful to maintain a balance: work while trusting God, and also rest while trusting Him.

We can work hard, from daylight to dusk each day, but if that work of life is done without acknowledging God's providence, it lacks ultimate meaning and connection with God's divine purpose.

The next phrase deals with children:

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are son's born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate."(verses 3-5)

Too often children are seen as liabilities rather than assets. But the Bible call children "a heritage from the Lord", a reward. We can learn valuable lessons from their inquisitive minds and trusting spirits. Those who view children as a distraction or nuisance should instead see them as an opportunity to shape the future. We dare not treat children as an inconvenience when God values them so high.

The children of our generations are there as testimony to God's design of family devotion and community integrity. In this verse the gate refers to the seat of authority in a town. We would call it the county courthouse; the place where business of a community is conducted. A family name can be defended and protected by our children. Reputations can be upheld when children are taught and follow righteousness.

This verse holds deep meaning for me. Twice in recent years I have had to stand in the "gate" of the community and defend the integrity of our name. Both times God was true to His word and protected us and the integrity of a family name. When we honour family, parents and the divine purpose represented by family, God acts swiftly and surely. When we build our house on the firm rock of God's purpose it will not prove empty or meaningless. God will watch over your home if you ask and seek His involvement.

My grandchildren returned to their parents. Our life returned to its normal pace. We hope our days with them has created good memories that can translate into happy productive futures. Thanks for listening to my reflections on my family. Amidst a lot of strife in the world, it is good to write on something more positive.