Nisi Dominus Frustra

As mentioned in the previous post, I have been loving James Montgomery Boice's Commentaries on the Psalms. There are additional reflections of his concerning Psalm 127 that I would like to share in the coming days with CandyceLand readers.

As a reminder, this Psalm was authored by Solomon, the son of David. The opening words are as follows:

Unless the Lord builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.
In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat -
for he grants sleep to those he loves.

Here is the fascinating comment by Boice that I was drawn to:

"A Latin motto says, Nisi Dominus Frustra. It comes from the first words of this psalm and means "Without the Lord, Frustration." It is the motto of the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, appearing on its crest, and is affixed to the city's official documents. It could be attached to the lives of many who are trying to live their lives without the Almighty."

Isn't it amazing that Edinburgh still maintains this motto? And isn't Boice correct when he reflects that many in our world could use this as their life motto? And how many of us, now saved by grace, somehow imagine that we do not need the presence of God in all of our daily acts of serving Him and others around us?

Let's keep this motto in the front of our minds today: "Without the Lord, Frustration."