Daily Devotional for Monday, October 28

There Is No Value in Life Without God

“Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate,” Psalm 127:1, 4, 5.

First, this psalm explains the foundation of faith. The psalmist begins by asserting, “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it” (verse 1). Here, the focus is on the foundational element of faith. Like a skilled architect, God is the Master Builder of our lives. When we attempt to construct our dreams and plans without His guidance, our efforts become futile. The foundation of faith ensures us that our endeavors are firmly grounded in God’s wisdom and purpose, establishing a stable structure that withstands the storms of life.

Next, we see a flourishing family. The psalmist likens children to arrows in the hands of a mighty man. These arrows are to be shaped and directed by godly principles. As parents, we are called to nurture and guide our children, preparing them to be arrows aimed at fulfilling God’s purposes. When we invest in the spiritual growth and well-being of our families, we witness a flourishing that extends beyond the immediate generation, impacting the world for God’s glory.

Lastly, we learn of focused fruitfulness. The final verses affirm the concept of focused fruitfulness. “Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them” (verse 5) speaks of a life abundantly blessed. The quiver, representing our lives, is filled not with random pursuits but with arrows of purpose—our relationships, work and endeavors aligned with God’s plan. In this focused fruitfulness, we experience the joy and fulfillment that come from a life yielded to God’s sovereign design.

FINAL THOUGHT
As we reflect on Psalm 127, let us prioritize the foundation of faith, foster family flourishing and pursue focused fruitfulness.

Steven Ridings