(Edited journal excerpt from October 22, 1990)1Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.
Psalm 121:1
When I think about my own life and circumstances, what are some of my own “unless the Lord” statements?
- Unless the LORD blesses my ministry and leadership development efforts, my work will be fruitless and empty.
- Unless the LORD graciously gives Gem and me children, nothing we do will gain us a family. (Note: remember that I wrote this journal excerpt when we were living in the light of two miscarriages and began to wonder if we’d ever have children)
- Unless the LORD guides my minutes and hours, all my time management efforts will be a wisp of smoke.
- Unless the LORD deepens the lives of those I shepherd, my efforts to deepen the spiritual life of the group will founder.
How does this “unless the Lord” perspective help? I can see myself worrying less and realizing how little control I really have. A question bubbles up into my heart and mind: “Is there anything that I’m passionately pursuing in my life and ministry that the LORD is not? Are there any areas in which the LORD is seeking to do something and I’m unaware, or even unknowingly standing in the way?” I may not be able to hinder God from doing what He wishes, but I certainly must be able to make a real mess as He pursues His purposes. And I really don’t want that.
Father, teach me to see the people I live among and serve with Your eyes. When I’m alone with You, help me hear what you’re your heart and mind for them. I want to say what You’re saying, do what You’re doing, go where You’re going. Thank You for the honor of being invited into Your service.
- Unless the LORD declares, my decisions are meaningless
- Unless the LORD pursues, my pursuits are empty
- Unless the LORD plans, my planning is purposeless
- Unless the LORD speaks, my words are pointless
Unless the LORD moves, my efforts to motivate myself and others is powerless!
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I really love this one Alan. Unless the LORD…that puts me to prayer this morning. May I add: “Unless the LORD changes me…I won’t be fit for the journey. May I bend to His invitation today.
That phrase, ‘unless the Lord’, is a great one to linger on. And I like your addition.