Feel like everything’s on your shoulders? Psalm 127 reminds us—God is the Builder. You can’t keep working later and grinding harder. When we trust Him with our work and home, we can find freedom instead of pressure. Let’s explore what that looks like.

#1 Work for God, not yourself. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain (127:1). You can hustle and provide, but nothing lasts without God. Solomon’s downfall is our warning of where pride can take us. Build your work and your home for Him. That’s where real freedom starts.

#2 Work hard then rest well. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep (127:2). Working nonstop won’t help your future. Anxious striving without trust is the recipe for burnout. Reminder: you’re not God. Rest is a gift, not a weakness. Work hard but don’t make work your god. Lay down each night trusting God works while you sleep.

#3 Build what lasts. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate (127:3–5). These verses should shift your view of success: it’s not about wealth or titles—it’s about what you build for God. Your children are not just your legacy; they can carry your values into a world that needs truth.

What Does It Mean to Walk with God?: Research tells us that walking is one of the best forms of exercise available to us. It’s not fancy or glamorous, but putting one foot in front of the other on a regular basis can keep us healthy and strengthen us to face the challenges in life. The Bible tells us that walking with God has a similar impact on our spiritual lives. It helps us grow in our faith and stand against the dangers that might come our way. If you’re wondering what it means to follow God’s path, we’ve got some practical ideas for maintaining a meaningful walk with Him each day.

Let Go of the Blueprints, Let God Build the House: Feeling the pressure to hold everything together—finances, family, the whole house? That burden was never yours to carry. In this episode, we dive into Psalm 127 and Hebrews 3 to remind you: God is the true Builder. When we surrender control, we trade stress and pride for peace and freedom. Join us for a real talk toward trusting Him with your work and your home.

Watchman Nee: “Our rest lies in looking to the Lord, not to ourselves.”

Charles Spurgeon: “The best and wisest thing in the world is to work as if it all depended upon you, and then trust in God, knowing that it all depends upon him.”

John Piper: “If we do not trust in God with all our heart but instead rely on our own insight, then we might, if he wills, produce a monument, but in the end it will only be a monument to futility.”

Work hard, trust harder. Here are 5 practical ideas for living out Psalm 127.

1) Begin each day with prayer—give your work and family to God.

2) Redefine success—remember it’s about faithfulness to God, not something for yourself.

3) Choose rest—pause and trust God. And yes, it’ll feel unproductive at first.

4) Speak life—remind your kids they’re a blessing instead of a burden.

5) Build what lasts—focus on what outlives you, not what impresses others.

Kent Evans
Author of Don’t Bench Yourself, co-founder of Manhood Journey

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

Forward this to a dad you know who needs some encouragement.