Nougat 5

What does your dream house look like? Any particular features? What is the most essential element? Today’s Holy Nougat invites us to think again.

“Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭127‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We all know Bob the Builder toys (maybe some who’ve had to hunt for children’s gifts do); but have we ever thought of God as Builder? I had not prior to now, but it truly makes sense. Not only does this Bible portray God as Creative Expert, but when we stop to think about it, there was: Noah’s cruise ship, the Ark of the Covenant with the Tent of Meeting, as well as the Temple – massive building skills and engineering know how required each time. And in each of those, God gave the requirements to the last ‘nail’. No excess, zero waste!

From a very literal perspective then, we ought to invite God’s input in the design plans for our houses, whether it’s a dream home or not. One might rightly argue that nowadays most of our houses are pre-owned, thus putting paid to our ‘design’ plans. And in a world of apartments, town houses and condominiums, we often have no ‘say’ in the design. I would hasten to remind you that God does. So we can ask God’s direction about the house we seek to live in. Moreover, given that some cultures include spirituality significant rituals to building, having God’s blessing on the house we rent, own, and/or design is critically important.

There is another meaning to house that may not have been part of the nougat but bears inclusion in our reflection today. In 2 Corinthians 5:1, we are reminded that our body is a house (or tent). When it is phrased like that, the concept of design is breathtaking. Yes, as believers we pay lip service to the idea of being created by God; but do we truly appreciate the nuances of what it means that God builds the body that houses us? For it adds new meaning to *Work in Progress*. Not only has God designed us and all our parts, but it also means that the exterior (with which we are often dissatisfied) and the interior – both physical and spiritual – are specially crafted by God.

We are unique beings, fearfully and wonderfully made (see Psalm 139:13-15). The care and precision is testimony of God’s craftsmanship! When we start adding or subtracting, which is our right as ‘homeowners’, we ought to consider whether God’s included in the building and renovation process. Literally and spiritually. As in, do we consult with God about what we do with our house? Could it be that when we do our own thing we are laboring in vain? Might we return our houses to God so they are once again God’s dream homes for us.

Lord we have faltered by taking over the building process of the physiological house in which we live. We offer our lives back; take over the building please and fix everything to Your specifications. Thanks for the design and frame of the buildings You have fearfully and wonderfully made; and help us to love it more.

For the literal accommodations You make available to us: duplexes, apartments, condos, studios, townhouses, and even mansions – we invite You to come on board and take over the work. Make it the dream home we need. Take full control of the design, including the fittings and the utilities we pray, in Jesus name amen

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May all we seek be found in Christ