Today’s post is part of our Psalm Saturdays series from guest blogger Robert Chamberlain. You can read more about Robert after the article below.

Psalm 127:1–5 (ESV)
1 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.
2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

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We sometimes talk about making a house a home. But even if our house looks like a show home, that’s all it is unless the love and hospitality of God permeates it. What good is a house built only to show off? Our homes are to glorify God, the master builder!

Unless the Lord sets us on the rock of Christ, we’re building our lives upon a sandy foundation. It’s all very well to have night watchmen, security guards and policemen to patrol the city. But unless the Lord watches over the city, it’s all in vain.

There’s no point getting up early, going to bed late, slaving away to earn our crust. Ultimately God provides our needs, and He’s the one who grants us sleep. It helps though if we’re not staying awake worrying at night!

Contrary to much of 21st Century Western opinion, children aren’t a disposable accessory. Children are a blessing from the Lord. The more children we have, the more blessed we are.

There is however a deeper and more meaningful spiritual application than simply the “fruit of our loins”! When we pass the gospel on to someone who gladly receives it, they are born again. God might be their Father, but we can be their midwives and nannies, looking out for them spiritually and nurturing them in the faith.

God doesn’t have grandchildren. So if we’re not sharing the gospel, and blessed in such efforts by His Holy Spirit, the church will cease to exist on earth. Yes, it’s the Lord who builds the house and watches over the “city on a hill”, the church, but that doesn’t mean to say we don’t need to build, watch and pass on the gospel ourselves!

Nowadays, if someone doesn’t have children, it isn’t really seen to be shameful. But if the gospel is not seen to be growing, does that not shame us as children of the Most High God? Does it not spur us on to proclaim the good news all the more?

“Most High God, thank You for project managing the Kingdom of heaven. Thank You for overseeing the work that we are engaged in to make You and Your gospel known. Please give us fruit for our labours, for the honour of Your name, amen.”

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About the author: Robert is a child of God, the husband of Joy, and the father of Grace. He’s from “God’s own county” of Yorkshire in the United Kingdom. Writing in earnest began for Robert when a friend prophetically told him that he should write. Although he isn’t currently publishing himself on WordPress, you can read the archives at www.roberlain.wordpress.com and a few other blogs linked from there. You can also find his up-to-date notes on the YouVersion Bible App. Also, The Believer’s Post is a WhatsApp platform for Christian bloggers which you can request him to join.

Email Robert at bobjc88 @ gmail.com if you want to get in touch.