Making the House You Have the Home You Want
“Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted ….”
Psalms 127:1a (NLT)
It’s been called “the American dream.” Every couple works toward it: owning your own home. There’s nothing quite like the day you move in. Wise couples know that it takes more than a house to make a home. Solomon reminds us in Psalm 127:1a (NLT), “Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted ….” Yet, this verse holds a promise for those who let the Lord be the master architect and general contractor. That’s good news! You can make the house you have into the home you want! It’s not too late! But to do it, you must cooperate with God’s plan and purpose.
Look at the verse again. He said, the Lord builds, and the builders work. It’s a cooperative effort. As with any construction, the architect lays out the blueprints, and the general contractor has workers who follow those plans so that together they achieve their desired results. Solomon, who wrote this Psalm, gives us three materials that God uses to turn a house into a home where His blessings thrive. You’ll find them in Proverbs 24:3-4.
“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” (NIV)
God uses wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to turn a house into a home. Wisdom is seeing life from God’s perspective. Understanding is applying that perspective in your decisions and relationships, and knowledge implies maintaining a teachable spirit and a willingness to grow, listen, and learn.
I especially appreciate the word “built” in this passage because, in Hebrew, it means “to restore.” It has more to do with rebuilding something than with new construction. That offers hope for all of us! Solomon's point is that any home can be restored. It’s never too late, but it will take wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to pull it off! And here’s some more good news for those of us short on such supplies. The Bible says, in Proverbs 2:6 (NIV), “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Don’t waste your efforts building your home this year. Cooperate with God’s eternal purpose and plan, and let Him be the Master Architect. He will even supply all the materials you’ll need to make the house you have the home you want! You simply need to ask. James tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5 (NIV). When you do, every room will be filled to overflowing with rare and beautiful treasures that last a lifetime and leave a legacy of faith.
Another important part of your daily devotional is spending time with God in prayer. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board lists prayer requests submitted by our members and provides a way to send them some encouragement by using a button on the page to let them know that you prayed for them. Whether you use the Prayer Board, or pray from your heart, the goal is to build the habit of incorporating prayer into your quiet time.
Need prayer yourself? Let us know by submitting a prayer request on the Woodlands Church Prayer Board.