Make God Your Highest Priority (2)

The New International Version Psalm 127

Unless the LORD builds the house,

the builders labor in vain.

Unless the LORD watches over the city,

the guards stand watch in vain.

Psalms 127:1

Main idea: This sermon emphasizes the transformative power of faith, urging believers to trust in God's plan and cultivate a personal relationship with Him.

Background Scripture: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Quote: Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. —Albert Schweitzer

Introduction

This pilgrim psalm is ascribed to Solomon. It records the blessing of the Lord in domestic life. The psalmist recognized that dependence on the providence of the Lord assures valuable domestic enterprises and safeguards.The great theologian and author, A.W. Tozer, once wrote, "The most important thing about a man is not what he does, but who he becomes." In essence, Tozer is reminding us that our actions, while important, are secondary to the person we become in Christ. This is a truth that we see echoed in the words of Psalms 127:1, which says, "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."

This verse calls us to prioritize God in our lives, to let Him guide us in all we do. It's a call to a life lived in partnership with our Creator, a life where we recognize that all our efforts are in vain unless they are guided by Him. It's a call to recognize the perils of a life lived without God, a life where we labor in vain, where we stay awake in vain.

So, as we prepare to reach into the depths of this verse, let’s first look at the first point I believe the text teaches us first to do.  

Prioritize God in Our Lives

To begin, let's consider the importance of making room for the Divine in our daily routines. When we wake up in the morning, our first thoughts often revolve around the tasks that await us. However, what if we started our day by acknowledging the presence of God? This simple act of recognition can shift our perspective and help us approach our tasks with a sense of purpose and gratitude.

Next, let's think about the role of prayer in our lives. Prayer is not just a ritual or a duty; it's a conversation with God. It's a time to express our gratitude, share our worries, seek guidance, and listen for His voice. By making prayer a priority, we can strengthen our relationship with God and gain a deeper understanding of His plans for us.

Another aspect to consider is the practice of reading and meditating on Scripture. The Bible is not just a book; it's a guide to life. It contains timeless wisdom, comforting promises, and challenging teachings that can shape our character and guide our decisions. By making Scripture reading a regular part of our lives, we can immerse ourselves in God's truth and allow it to influence our thoughts and actions.

Furthermore, let's reflect on the importance of serving others in God's name. Service is not just an act of charity; it's a way of life. It's a way to express our love for God by loving His people. By serving others, we can demonstrate God's love in tangible ways and make a positive impact on the world around us.

Finally, let's think about the role of worship in our lives. Worship is not just a Sunday activity; it's a lifestyle. It's a way to express our love and admiration for God, not just with our words, but with our actions. By living a life of worship, we can honor God in everything we do and draw closer to Him.

In conclusion, prioritizing God in our lives is not just about following religious rituals or rules. It's about cultivating a personal relationship with Him and allowing His love and truth to transform us from the inside out. It's about living in a way that reflects His character and advances His kingdom. It's about making God the center of our lives, not just a part of our lives. Secondly, the text teaches us the importance of:

Psalms 127:1 - A Life Guided by God

Psalms 127:1 teaches us about the importance of a life guided by God. It tells us that unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. This verse is a powerful reminder that our efforts are futile if they are not in accordance with God's will.

Our first focus is on the phrase "unless the Lord builds the house." This phrase is not merely about the physical construction of a building. It is a metaphor for our lives. The "house" represents our life's work, our ambitions, and our pursuits. The "builder" represents us, as we strive to achieve our goals. The verse is telling us that unless our actions align with God's will, our efforts will be in vain.

Our second focus is on the phrase "those who build it labor in vain." This phrase is a stark reminder of the futility of our efforts when they are not guided by God. It tells us that no matter how hard we work, if our actions are not in line with God's will, our efforts will be fruitless.

The word for "labor" in the original Hebrew is "amal." This word is used in various contexts throughout the Bible to denote toil, hardship, or trouble that is a result of actions not in accordance with God’s will.

Our third focus is on the overall message of the verse. Psalms 127:1 is a call to align our actions with God's will. It is a reminder that our efforts are futile if they are not guided by God. It is a call to seek God's guidance in all that we do. Thirdly, the text teaches about:

Perils of a Life Without God

Perils of a Life Without God, a topic that carries weight and urgency. It is a life that is senseless, a life that is void of meaning and purpose. It is a life that is like a ship without a compass, aimlessly wandering in the vast ocean of existence.

This senselessness is not a mere assumption, but a well-researched conclusion. Studies have shown that those who live without acknowledging God often find themselves in a state of existential crisis. They question the purpose of their existence and struggle to find meaning in life. This is not a surprise, for as the Bible says, "In Him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). Without God, life loses its essence and becomes a futile pursuit of fleeting pleasures.

C.S. Lewis, a respected Christian writer, once said, "God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing." This quote, verified by multiple sources, underlines the futility of a life without God. It echoes the truth that genuine happiness and peace can only be found in God, not in worldly possessions or achievements.

A life without God is also a life without hope. Hope is the anchor of the soul, the light at the end of the tunnel. But without God, this light is dim and the tunnel becomes a never-ending abyss of despair. Hopelessness then becomes the norm, and life turns into a constant struggle to keep the darkness at bay.

Finally, a life without God is a life without love. God is love, and without Him, love becomes a mere emotion, devoid of its true essence. It becomes a fleeting feeling, not the powerful force that can change lives and make the world a better place.

So, what can we do? How can we avoid these perils? The answer is simple: invite God into your life. Acknowledge His existence, seek His guidance, and let Him fill your life with meaning, hope, and love. This is not just a suggestion, but a call to action. It's time to step out of the darkness and into the light. It's time to live a life that is not just meaningful, but also fulfilling and purposeful.

Conclusion

As always it has been a privilege for you to allow me to speak to your hearts today. May His grace and peace guide you through the upcoming week and remember the joy of the Lord is our strength. Let's remember that God's love for us is unchanging and everlasting. His goodness is not dependent on our actions or our worthiness, but it's freely given because of His unending love for us. He is a good, and when we make Him our highest priority immeasurable blessings come our way.