Not Up To Me

09.26.14

Psalm 127.1-2 1 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. 2 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.  – King Solomon (ESV)

It is not up to me because: Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. It is not up to me because: Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is not up to me because: 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.

So much of what it is we do, we automatically assume is up to us to get it done. My dad used to say, God helps those who help themselves. Not sure I bought that. I can help myself in some ways but in reality unless the Lord does it, it ain’t gonna be worth the time and effort I expend. And Jesus makes it pretty clear that apart from Him we can do nothing. I think that meant, not do anything of lasting value and benefit in the spiritual aspect of our lives and that of others.

Additionally, in numerous places throughout the Bible the thought is also pretty clear: God enjoins us to allow Him to work through us to do His will and good pleasure in whatever it is we do (Cf. 1 Corinthians 10.31). That means we can do whatever we do but we must make room in our doing for His doing.

Today, this little passage spoke volumes to me as I embark on a new career as an independent business owner. Unless God builds my business, I truly believe I will labor long rising up early and going to bed late worrying about my doing; eating often the non-nutritive bread of anxious toil. I don’t want to live that way; and I don’t want to try to serve God by worrying over something I’m trying to build: Unless HE builds my business – I’m laboring in vain.

Father, Today I lay all of my plans before You and ask to work alongside You as You build what I believe You’ve laid out for me. I fully expect to learn hard lessons, one of the greatest being: letting go, and letting You. I expect Your blessing and I expect Your wisdom and grace. Thank You for what You are doing and for reminding me today of Your presence in my life – Amen.