A Psalm of Conflict

Unless the Lord Builds the House

A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.

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.

A man journeys to the temple in Jerusalem, using these “Songs of Ascents” along the way. Where is he at this point?

Solomon, the builder of the temple, tells us that as we approach God’s presence, remember who built the temple. Not man. God’s hand is present in our daily lives. With His Hand, He builds His church; Christ’s church. When we have conflict among ourselves, may we remember to whom we belong. Listen to the words of Solomon’s prayer after the temple was built, furnished, and the Ark of the Covenant brought into the temple:

“O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like You, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to Your servants who walk before You with all their heart; 24 You have kept with Your servant David my father what You declared to him. You spoke with Your mouth, and with Your hand have fulfilled it this day” (1 Kings 8:23-24).

Let us echo the words of Solomon today as we pray: Gracious God, God of all people, we put our faith and trust in You alone. We dwell in Your Word, which dwells among us. We are Your church; Christ is our groom. May we walk in Your ways and proclaim Your message daily. Amen.