"Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it."
- Psalm 127:1
It was the summer of 1776, and delegates had come from 13 colonies to
make a momentous decision. Conditions were troubled in the New World
and something had to be done. Apparently there was no good choice.
Faces were gloomy in the old statehouse in Philadelphia. One suggestion
after another was offered and discarded. Finally, in the midst of their
dissension and debate as to whether a new nation should be created or
not. The men turned to Benjamin Franklin, the oldest and most renowned
of the delegates, and requested his opinion. Franklin hesitated, then
rose to his feet and delivered a brief message centered around Psalm
127 that became the spiritual foundation stone of America and resulted
in the Declaration of Independence.
Although few today have ever heard of these words, they were jewels of
truth and wisdom. Said he, "I have lived a long time; and the longer I
live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth that God governs
the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without
His will, is it possible for an empire to rise without His notice? We
have been . . .
"Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it."
- Psalm 127:1
It was the summer of 1776, and delegates had come from 13 colonies to make a momentous decision. Conditions were troubled in the New World and something had to be done. Apparently there was no good choice. Faces were gloomy in the old statehouse in Philadelphia. One suggestion after another was offered and discarded. Finally, in the midst of their dissension and debate as to whether a new nation should be created or not. The men turned to Benjamin Franklin, the oldest and most renowned of the delegates, and requested his opinion. Franklin hesitated, then rose to his feet and delivered a brief message centered around Psalm 127 that became the spiritual foundation stone of America and resulted in the Declaration of Independence.
Although few today have ever heard of these words, they were jewels of truth and wisdom. Said he, "I have lived a long time; and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth that God governs the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His will, is it possible for an empire to rise without His notice? We have been assured in the sacred writing that except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this, and I also believe that without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel." He then suggested that they have a season of prayer. His advice was followed. Chaos soon resolved into unity and the United States of America was born July 4, 1776.
Our forefathers laid the foundation of this nation not only on Plymouth Rock, but also on the much surer rock of prayer and the Word of God! This is our heritage; but in many ways we have drifted far from our spiritual moorings. America must acknowledge anew her dependence upon God if she wishes to continue to proclaim her independence from slavery! For "where the Spirit of the LORD is, there is liberty" (2 Cor. 3:17).
Thy love divine hath led us in the past,
In this free land by Thee our lot is cast;
Be Thou our Ruler, Guardian, Guide, and Stay;
Thy Word our law, Thy paths our chosen way.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - "Faith in our God is indispensable to successful statesmanship." (Abraham Lincoln)