Psalm 127:1-5 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

I love this chapter. One reason I do is because I like big families. I enjoyed growing up with 4 brothers and 3 sisters. I look forward to, Lord willing, having a big family. It occurred to me two days ago that my next child will be number four. To me, that puts a modern day family in the “big family” category.

Nonetheless, we see that children are to be viewed as the blessing they are. The fruit of the womb is His reward. We see that they are an heritage from the Lord. We see that they are like arrows in the hand of a mighty man. We see that a man with a quiver full is a happy man.

We must remember, though, that the Lord gives us a preface to all of this. It is this: our house (family, home) will be successful as the Lord is the One Who builds it. Might we allow the Lord to build our house. Might He be preeminent in all we do. Might we rear our families for the Lord, and by the Lord. For then, comes happiness, and no shame against the enemies, and the blessings, and the godly heritage. Praise the Lord for the first institution he ordained – the family!