Every once in a while, I get the urge to read through the book of Psalms in the Bible. And no matter how many times I do, it almost always feels like the first time. Verses that meet me right where I am jump off the page. Reminders of how to live and grow in relationship with God are found in every chapter, like small treasures to discover over and over again.

When I read through Psalms late last year, Psalm 127 was one chapter that hit my heart so deeply—specifically verses 1 and 2.

“[1] 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. [2] It is a waste of time to get up early and stay up late, trying to make a living. The LORD provides for those he loves, even while they are sleeping.” (ERV)

The Meaning of Psalm 127:1-2

I don’t know about you, but these are WOW verses for me. Let’s break them down.

First, a “house” is anything we “build” in our lives—any passion we pursue, goal we work toward, or lifestyle we create for ourselves and our families.

In this stage of life, my “houses” are anything from my marriage and my career to my podcast, what I share on social media, and even this blog. What are some “houses” that come to mind for you?

Going back to verse 1, it’s clear that we have two options for every “house.”

1. We can let God manage all of the details and plans
2. We can (attempt to) control everything and do it all ourselves

But verse 1 also mentions a “city.” What happens when you build a lot of houses? It creates a city, right? So, the more “houses” in our lives, the bigger our “cities” become and the more we tend to protect our investments. But verse 1 also tells us that guarding our own cities is a waste of time.

Why?

Verse 2 gives us the kicker. The waste lies in giving so much time and energy to controlling our assets—in our own strength—without relying on God to provide.

Yes, He wants us to partner with Him to spread the Gospel. AND He wants us to pursue passions that bring joy to ourselves, our most beloved people, and others in our spheres of influence.

Working Together with God

1 Corinthians 3:9-11 (ERV) tells us that:

“[9] We are workers together for God, and you are like a farm that belongs to God. And you are a house that belongs to God.  [10] Like an expert builder I built the foundation of that house. I used the gift that God gave me to do this. Other people are building on that foundation. But everyone should be careful how they build.  [11] The foundation that has already been built is Jesus Christ, and no one can build any other foundation.”

Yet these verses also reiterate that, even as God can use you as an “expert builder,” your “gift” of building comes from Him. Doing any part of it your own way, in your own strength, is where the waste happens.

Following any plan that goes against the foundation Jesus already built is not only a waste but a really bad idea. Remember to “be careful how [you] build” (v. 20).

The Importance of Fearing the Lord

One chapter over in Psalm 128:1-2 (NLT), we learn why this is so, so, so important.

“[1] How joyful are those who fear the LORD — all who follow his ways! [2] You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be!”

God wants our joy to be lasting and deep. He wants us to succeed. “Building” His way and trusting His provision is the only way for the outcome of our ZEAL—our passionate pursuits—to be genuinely joyful and successful in a way that leads to eternal satisfaction.

Notice I didn’t say earthly satisfaction.

Earthly satisfaction is temporary. Chasing it is futile because you’ll always want more. It will never be enough. The only pursuit that won’t leave you feeling empty is the pursuit of God, and that starts with fearing Him through reverence and awe.

God doesn’t want us to be terrified of Him. He only wants us to acknowledge His power and complete control over the entire universe. It’s a fear based on WOW and wonder, and knowing just what God is capable of.

The “houses” God builds for you may not look the way you imagined. And the size of your “city” might look different than you hoped. But remember this:

Unless God is the builder and architect of it all, it will never make you happy.