Unless the Lord builds the house…

I’m sure if you’re familiar with the Bible, you’ve heard the verse quoted in the subject of this post.  The whole verse reads as follows:

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.

Psalm 127:1

I’ve been feeling discouraged about my Pampered Chef business the last few weeks. My tutoring with Smarthinking has not been too encouraging either, as the number of schools needing the essay center at this point in the semester is minimal.

I’m super-tempted to be discouraged all around, as I’ve even put application into approximately 10 different companies and have heard nothing yet! ugh!  However, it’s each time I get to be somewhat down-trodden, the Lord provides in amazing ways.

He’s provided tutoring jobs for me locally. He’s provided food reviews that have me brimming with excitement. He’s given me blogging opportunities to reach my readers for the Lord.

So, instead of feeling me-focused as I sit and toss ashes on my head with a “Woe is me” mentality, I’m making the choice to rest in His promises in the Word. Like this one:

I have been young, and now am old,
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
or his children begging for bread.

Psalm 37:25

I’ve been challenged in this mindset by listening to James McDonald‘s messages labeled “Always True“.  (I listen by downloading his messages through iTunes.) The godly teacher faced so many trials in his life over the last few years, and he encouraged his listeners to rest in God’s promises during trials.

This allows us to do multiple things:

• Focus on Him — not me.
• Glorify Him instead of doubt Him.
• Grow during trials instead of stall.
• Get to know His character through how He faithfully fulfills His promises.
• Bury myself in the Word in order to know the promises of God in a way that is more than intellectual.

So, what are you struggling with this week? What kind of trial are you facing?  Take the time to get in the Word and to trust His promises.

Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.

Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.

But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.

Psalm 73:23-28

P.S.  I love verse 23 of this passage.  He holds me by my right hand!  What a wonderful image of guidance, support, and care!  Never forget that!

——

DON’T FORGET!! I’m still accepting suggestions for the new Talk about It Tuesdays discussion series!  Check out the current discussion suggestions and enter to win the new topic of discussions AND the Taste of Home Guilt-Free Cooking cookbook!  The contest ends TONIGHT!