You know the verse: “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” And probably you know the verse that comes later in the same Psalm: “Children are a reward from him.” But you may not know the verse that connects these two: “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves” (Psalm 127:1-3).
In God’s wisdom, the Psalmist’s prayer is showing us that the way to build a home and a family, or anything, begins with resting in the Lord’s care. That’s why the Hebrew day begins with a quiet evening and a week begins with the Sabbath rest. And it’s why Jesus said: “Abide in me, as a branch in a grapevine, and you will bear much fruit” (John 15:5, paraphrase).
Abiding in Prayer. It can be as simple as: “Lord Jesus, you are the Builder – I am assisting you.”
What a blessing it is to remember to take even just a momentary pause to breathe a prayer to God before a meeting, as you listen to a friend, while you wait in line, right now… “Lord Jesus, you are the Builder – I am assisting you.”
This weekend Kristi and I are helping 70 short-term missionaries to abide in Christ as we build houses and share the gospel of Christ for the poor in Mexico. We’ll be leading meditations in Scripture, prayer, and soul talk for the missionaries and Mexican pastors and leaders. It’s our first Soul Shepherding mission trip.
Your prayers and support help us to assist Christ as he builds into the lives of these families and their neighborhood.
Blessings,
Bill & Kristi
