Psalm 127—The Lord Builds and Fills the House

James says, “Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” As I studied this psalm, James’ use of the word receive came to mind.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. Psalm 127:1

We are first and foremost recipients of God’s activity to build our homes. Receive with meekness. His word implanted. He plants; we receive. He builds; we live in the house he constructs. He is the one who lays the foundation we enjoy. We receive it with meekness.

I loved to watch Weaver Birds when I lived in Southern Africa. They build their nests to hang down from the branch of a tree. The male attaches and weaves the nest. He works tirelessly, diligently. The female watches from a nearby branch. She observes his work. Once he’s completed the job, she inspects his labor. If she’s happy, she moves in. However, if she’s not happy, she cuts the nest off at the branch and it falls to the ground.

I don’t want to build a house in vain. I want the Lord to build the house; he knows what my foundation should be. He is in heaven, and I am on earth (Ecclesiastes 5:2). I will listen to his wise ways and avoid my own simple ways.

And I want my Sovereign Lord to watch over the city. I do not want to labor in vain, nor do I want to watch in vain.

“It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” Psalm 127:2

Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). This verse is not to encourage idleness. It’s intended to point to dependence. This verse reminds us that while we do our work, it is God who provides.

“…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6

It is an unnecessary extreme to labor anxiously from daybreak unto evening. Again, work and diligence are necessary. However, frenzied and hurried work and worry are unnecessary. When you trust that the Sovereign Lord provides for you, you can sleep in peace. Don’t be anxious but pray with grateful trust.

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.” Psalm 127:3-4

When I lost my wife, I had a renewed appreciation for my children. What gifts of love they were to my broken heart! What rewards of kindness to my injured soul! Children are a heritage from God. Indeed! When I fell broken on the gurney that held my wife’s body, I thanked God for her and for the children that had been born to us through her. In that moment, I remember thinking that Kim’s womb had blessed my life with children, and the reward of their lives continues after her life ended.

These children of mine are like arrows that we launched into the world. Our children, born in our youth, are now like arrows of impact that we released into the world together. They are serving, and now they are bearing children. The cycle of God’s design for bearing fruit continues. My heritage—and Kim’s—continues to develop and unfold.

Even in loss, I am blessed by the fruit of Kim’s womb. Children—and now grandchildren—have blessed my life and now Amanda’s life, too. My life is full of great reward. My life is full of sweet blessings. These children and grandchildren are not my savior, but they are gifts from my Savior.

The Lord builds the house—so rest. The Lord gives children as an inheritance—so be blessed.

The Lord builds and fills your house.

“Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” Psalm 127:5