A Home Where Love Thrives.

I got this from the Daily Reflections section from my Bible. Found it to be particularly touching so I thought I'd paste it up here to share. =D

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MONDAY.

VERSE FOR THE DAY:
Psalms 127:1

AUTHOR:

Charles Swindoll

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:

Psalms 127:1-5

THE first two verses of Psalm 127 are the piers and beams of the home, the foundation from which all else derives its stability and security.

"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders' labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain."

Solomon, the writer of this psalm, compares the home to a city. When an ancient city was built, it was not uncommon for its walls to be finished first to keep out the enemy. If the people trusted in the walls to protect them, to give them security, their trust was misplaced, creating only a false sense of security. Likewise, walls we erect around our families and possesions offer only an illusion of security. Like Jericho's walls, they can tumble as quickly as a shout. For ultimately, it is not the watchmen or their walls that protect the city; it is the Lord. "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." (Proverbs 18:10). In the same sense, unless a husband and wife trust in God, their work and their watchfulness are wasted.

In verse 2, Solomon qualifies the phrase in vain:

"In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat--"

Many feel that by working longer hours that they can provide more things to bring happiness to their home or afford a nicer, newer home in hopes that it will bring happiness... It doesn't satisfy that empty longing in the pit of your soul, that longing for a home, a real home-- a home where love thrives, lush and fragrant. The reason why it's futile burning the candle at both hands-- rising early, staying up late-- is that God, not our labors, is the source of our blessing, as verse 2 indicates: "for he grants sleep to those he loves" [or, as the alternative translation reads, "for while they sleep he provides for those he loves"].