God and Me: Devotions from Time of GraceSample

God and My Family

"I can do this by myself!"

Parents generally are glad to hear that from their kids. We spend tremendous amounts of energy helping our children achieve independence in all phases of their lives, from potty training to getting dressed to homework to getting a driver's license to taking on their own college debt.

But certain projects are too big for a "do-it-yourself" mentality. "Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain" (Psalm 127:1). Those sage words come from King Solomon, a man gifted with supernatural wisdom. He appears not to have put them into practice in his own life--his own family life was a mess--and thus illustrated the truth of his own words.

So how do you invite the Lord as cobuilder of your family? Start with searching the Scriptures for his holy design for holy matrimony. God's will for marriage is ignored and trashed today, with devastating consequences for all of society. Commit yourself to God's design. Trust and wait for God's blessings. Let your home be a place where the Word is heard, where prayer and singing abound, and where the peace of Christ rules. Treat your spouse the way God treats you, with patience, humility, and forgiveness.

Love your family the way God loves you.