Built by the Lord: God's Design for Family and Business Success From Psalm 127నమూనా

Protection

There’s something deeply built into both a man and a woman when it comes to protection.

A husband feels the weight of keeping his family safe — physically, financially, and emotionally. Whether it’s locking the doors at night, working overtime to bring in extra money, or watching for threats to the peace of the home, most men take this role very seriously. It’s part of how God wired them: to be watchmen.

And then there’s the “mama bear.” Gentle and nurturing most days—but if her child is threatened? She’ll go into instant battle mode. There’s a fierce, God-given instinct to defend her children.

But Psalm 127 reminds us that no matter how strong or vigilant we are, protection ultimately comes from the Lord. The strongest man still needs God’s covering. The most alert mama can’t be everywhere at once.

We are called to be watchful, but not to live in fear. God is the one who watches over the “city” of your home, your marriage, and even your business.

The question isn’t whether protection matters—it’s who we’re trusting to do the protecting.

Yesterday, we examined the well-known opening phrase of Psalm 127 (ESV), "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain,” which speaks to God’s provision.

Today, we will examine the rest of verse 1 and explore His protection: “Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain."

Where the first part of verse 1 refers to building a home and family, the second part of the verse deals with work and protection.

The watchman had an essential job. He was to stay awake all night to make sure no one was approaching to attack the city. His assignment was crucial for the protection and defense of the citizens. I hope he worked hard and took his responsibility seriously! And yet, all of his work was in vain, for nothing, if the Lord wasn’t in it. God is our ultimate protector.

What an amazing thought! We can work hard and 'do all the right things', but if God isn't behind the project, we are not going to be successful. This verse doesn’t necessarily speak to ‘success’ according to the world’s definition, but rather in a much deeper way. One can work hard, earn a good income, and even receive considerable praise from others. That individual may even feel good about themselves for a while. But, in light of eternity, all work is meaningless unless the Lord is in it. From this, we learn the importance of entrusting things to the Lord, devoting a significant amount of time to prayer, and relying on Him for the results.

It's all too easy to lose focus and try to do things in our own strength. We have been there! Those efforts are vain, pointless, and empty without God. Don't let that happen to you! Ask the Lord what He wants you to build, and then do it with all your might.

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV) says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

As a business owner, I’m sure you work hard. But make sure the Lord is in it. Consult Him for direction, guidance, and purpose. Cry out to Him when things are tough, and praise Him for all your successes. Whatever you do, work heartily for the Lord and trust Him to protect your efforts!

Here’s today’s prayer: Father, thank You for work. Thank You for protecting our home and business. I commit myself to You, in and through my work, and trust You to protect us. May it all be for Your glory alone. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Join me tomorrow as we explore God’s solution to workaholism, burnout, and anxiety.