I am going to share some new insights that I got recently from Psalm 127:1-2. In my mind, we tend to become overly familiar with bible verses at times. Other times, we get it as in the holy spirit opening our eyes; lights flashing; the light bulb goes on literally.

So here is what Psalm 127:1-2 says:

Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it;

Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain

It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of

Sorrows, for so He gives his beloved sleep.

This tells me that it is very important for our homes to be built on a firm foundation – one built on faith in God. I cannot imagine anything else. I am not saying that my life is perfect by any means. I just cannot fathom how I can rely on myself, with all my weaknesses, to build a strong family life without God in it. I am so glad I have the Rock to depend on and to guide me. I have fought many battles and do not know where I would be today were it not for my faith in God. I am not interested in putting up a “front” of a life of perfection, far from it. We did not come to Christ perfect, we are still a work in progress. If we acknowledge this, there will be no need for us to put up any “front”. It is so encouraging and refreshing to be among brethren who keep it real and keep you accountable. What a blessing!

With that said, I will have you know that I have not always practiced some of the things I am about to share with you. However, as we grow older, we become more mature and ask  ourselves, “why did I not figure this out earlier on in life, I could have saved myself a whole lot of trouble?” That is the beauty of it all, you are “growing and becoming”, because of the Spirit at work in you, thank heaven! Let us move on now;

How To Build A Home

1. Build it on love: Love is paramount and is the mainstay or shall I say backbone of any relationship. I am not talking about the touchy feely love thingy. I am mean real love in action which is hard to do; a commitment to stand together through thick and thin. This involves dying to self on a daily basis. Yes, our family members drive us “craaazy” sometimes, but we are called to love them. Sometimes, we are not lovable ourselves. It is easy to say love has gone out the window, so I am going out the door. Halt! Rethink this will you? It is not that simple. Love has to be selfless, tough as it sounds. Let us just try a little harder.   Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 13; Romans 12:9-10; Colossians 3:14

2. Build it on kindness: by showing affection, gentleness, and concern towards one another. There is no room for selfishness in the family setting. Parents must model to their children. Of course, as little children we are self-centred and all about ourselves. However, teaching our children to be selfless should be an integral part of how  we raise children in a godly home. Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 6:6; Colossians 3:12; 2 Peter 1:7
3. Build it on patience: where would our relationships be without patience or self-control? Proverbs 25:28 says whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down  without walls.  Imagine the confusion in our relationships if we are constantly angry and irritable with each other? There would be no peace in the home, period. Patience, hmm, not easy but we must cultivate it. Self-restraint is a blessing and will deliver you from the trap of confusion, bitterness, anger etc. Scriptures: Ephesians 4:2; Proverbs 15:18; Proverbs 16:32
4. Build it on laughter/joy enjoy each other’s company, be playful, laugh together and laugh at each other. Laughter is a powerful thing in a relationship. Learn to have fun and not take yourselves too seriously. I am a clown who lives with a bunch of other clowns; you probably wouldn’t  if know it to look at us. A sense of humor goes a long, long way. Having a quick wit helps to defuse a lot of tense situations. Scriptures:  Proverbs 15:13; Proverbs 15:15; Proverbs 17:22;
5. Build it on prayer Prayer is having a heart to heart with God. It is quite easy to talk to someone who loves us unconditionally don’t you think? However, we do struggle with prayer. We seem to think we have to come before Him with well rehearsed lines. Talk to Him in plain and simple language, be very candid and real with Him. The mask has to come off, it is you and Him. If you get this, you will never feel any need to pretend with people. If you are trying to develop an intimate relationship with a person, don’t you think you need to show them your real self? How much more your heavenly Father who created you? Scriptures: Colossians 4:2 Romans 12:12; Psalm 145:18

Reflection:

May God continue to be the anchor in our homes for we can do nothing in our own strength, amen.

Yaa F. Attobrah

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