Unless God Be the Center
Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor 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. (Psalm 127:1-2)
Recently I was sponsored to a Walk to Emmaus which was a three-day spiritual journey. Many Wesleyan concepts were taught, grace being the emphasis in several topics. In reflection, grace was a means or gift freely given but it was not a one-time gift or at once completed to the one who received it. I learned that grace is a process of growing in God through the continuity of piety, Bible study and action. These three are integral parts in the life of a believer. Like a stool with three legs, each leg supports the other, and together, they hold the seat firm and strong. Piety, Bible study and action hold firm the grace that which we have received.
What holds your life firm, strong, fulfilling and at peace these days, and especially, during a challenging time? Is it your connection of life with social media (such as Facebook, Youtube, Instrgram, Linkedin, Twitter, etc.), your mobile device and technology or the internet? Is it your work, your bank account, your friends and family that keep your life at peace and fulfilling? No doubt, we can’t appreciate life without them. However, I believe there is more support to life than these, God being the center of all.
The Psalmist spoke of God as our most viable support in life, “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain…” We get many legs of support in life, but God is being the strongest leg in all. I remember a commercial for American Express a long time ago that said, “Don’t leave home without it.” We can’t always depend on the AE Card or any other card or legs of support as we travel the journey of life. What we can’t leave home without is God more than anything else. We will find meaning and fulfillment, peace and joy, safety and health, healing and love in life to the fullest when we have God on the journey with us, being the center of our lives. Truly, without God our toil of life is vain, meaningless and we will go without much sleep. How does God fit into your life support today?
God, Almighty, you are a blessing to my life. My life, my hope, my work, my all is in you, Lord. Every day you give me what I need and prepare me to be what I should become. You are the center of my life. Without you, I am nothing. Without you, I won’t be where I am today. Without you, life is just a toil in vain. Thank you, Lord. Help me to trust in you more, and be faithful to you today, in all that I am and all that I do and all that I have. You are my rock, my refuge, my stronghold, and my redeemer. Amen.