“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)

In a time and place of unrest and tribal wars, this was an important consideration. Time and time again walls were overrun or infiltrated by the enemy. On one occasion the city’s defensive walls fell to the blast of trumpets. Those who put their faith in armies and weapons of destruction often find that they aren’t enough.

Israel was a nation slow to learn the lesson of the Psalm. They continually ran into trouble because they failed to acknowledge God. He warned them over and over, but they kept leaving Him for other gods. Eventually not only their houses, and cities but their entire nation. The only defense against evil is good, and the only true good is God.

Relying on self or each other is a failed strategy. Evil is stronger than man or any groups of men. Evil is stronger than any wall or stone house. Evil is not stronger than God. So the psalmist gives good advice. Anything you or I do without God is vain. When we leave God out we allow evil in.

Task for Today: Move over and let God. He is your only hope today. Ask God to build with you. Ask God to watch with you. Ask God to be your shield and defender. To do anything else is to work in vain and watch in vain.