Making God Our Builder
BRD REFLECTIONS
Revelation 7:9-17 and Psalm 126, 127 (NIV)
(Michael Chan, Pastoral Team Member, Missions)
READ:
Psalm 127 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Psalm 127 highlights to us that all our achievements are worthless unless we allow the Lord to build, watch and weave His hands to work in and through our lives.
Solomon writes that “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” (v1) While this verse refers specifically to building a house, it applies to whatever we build in our lives e.g. a house, marriage, relationships, family, career, business, ministry or church.
When we make God our builder, He builds according to His plan as Master Builder of our life. We have to reject the attitude of self-sufficiency and self-dependency. A life apart from God is one that rises “early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat”. Such a life will be “in vain” (v2). Without God, our work and life will be empty and meaningless. God blesses His beloved with sleep. We can be at peace knowing that God’s hand is at work and His eye watches us even as we sleep.
The psalmist writes that: 3 Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. 4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. 5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame.
Children are God’s blessings and not burdens to parents, given to us to raise, nurture and disciple for the Lord’s glory. As parents, we are to appreciate, enjoy our children, love and raise them up to love and fear God. Let us worship God as a family, teach our children the Word of God, the ways of God, guide them in the will of God, and encourage them to love and serve Him and people by doing the work of God. Like arrows, children are to be carefully shaped, formed, guided with skill, strength, and given direction to fulfil God’s purposes in their lives.
APPLY:
Have I made God my builder?
When my life is built upon Christ’s foundation and by His grace I live in obedience to His Word, what I build will be meaningful.
I trust that God who gives me the strength to work will give me the rest I need.
As children are a heritage from the Lord, a reward and blessing, I have an important responsibility to shepherd and disciple my children, and not leave this completely to the Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry.
DO:
I must ensure that Jesus is my Lord, the builder and watchman of my life, family, ministry, church.
I must not start anything without God. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” (Prov 16:3)
While I work hard to honour God, I must not neglect my family. I need to maintain a healthy work-life balance. I need to have sufficient sleep daily and spiritual refreshment in His presence.
I need to value God’s gift of children. I will pray for, instruct, lead by example, protect my child and pass on the legacy of faith to the next generation.
PRAY:
Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times when I tried to build my life by myself, depending on my own plans and strength. May You be the builder and guard over my life, family, ministry and church from this day forth. Make my focus and attitudes toward my life and family be according to Your Word and will.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
