Absolutes!

Absolutes!

If it is not the Lord who builds a house, the builders are wasting their time. If it is not the Lord who watches over the city, the guards are wasting their time. Psalms 127:1 ERV

These are absolute statements. Life is a summary of decisions and actions. We move from total dependence on parents to a series of events that help build our stamina and independence. We go to school to get a basic education; we develop friendships and build relationships, some lasting for a season and others for a lifetime. We build houses, buy cars, invest in stocks, all in a bid to secure a bright future for ourselves and our children. That is the story of our lives as human beings.

For all who know God as a personal Saviour, there is an added element: a clear understanding that without God involved, all I do is self-deceit. When you see men run to 'make it', you wonder who has defined success for them and who is standing at the end of the race to reward them for coming in 'first'. We have allowed the world dictate terms and we keep running, unsure of where we are headed, but desperate to look like our neighbours. The words of today's extract are so telling: the God factor can never be ignored.

It is proper to make plans, but it is foolishness to plan without the master strategist. It is nice to own your own house and put in place measures to protect yourself and all you own, but it is foolishness to do so without the One called The Refuge. You see, only projects ordained by God will stand the test of time, as He is able to sustain whatever it is He has ordained. It is vanity to build high walls and fenced cities, or invest millions on worthy projects, when God is not backing you up.

Why not seek God first, get his backing and then you are empowered to face the world? Those who stand with God can stand against anything. If God is not for you, it doesn't matter how many people are on your side. Who's watching your back? Who's securing your life and investments? His time of favour is here.