Thoughts for the Day

Unless the Lord builds the house,
those who build it labour in vain.
Unless the Lord guards the city,
the guard keeps watch in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives sleep to his beloved.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

There are some fables that stay in your mind as an adult. 'The Three Little Pigs' is one of them. First seen in a printed version in the 1890s it is believed to date back to a story from Devon about three little pixies and a fox - not quite as exciting as three little pigs and a wolf, perhaps. If you haven't heard the fable (this goes to many around the world!) well the pigs hide in their houses to avoid being eaten by the wolf, but the first and second houses made of straw and sticks get blown down! However, the third pig builds his house of bricks and all three pigs survive.

But recently a famous breakfast cereal has been using the tale as an advert. The wolf blows down the first two houses and then turns promptly does the same to the house of brick, because "He's had his Weetabix"!

To the more serious - from psalm 127 we learn that 'unless the Lord builds the house we labour in vain'. We may build a house, indeed a city, or create a family, but all will be pointless. They may survive, however we are to ask ourselves where they worth doing! There are only two options, either this will be God's doing, or it will be fruitless!

Heavenly Father,
help us to see that we need to involve
You in everything we do,
so that You fill the heart of our home
and our life with Your presence.
May we turn to You each day
with thankfulness and praise
and commit our lives afresh to You.
Amen.