NISI DOMINUS FRUSTA

Human life is made up of multiple dimensions. Each of these dimensions contribute their own richness to life, which makes it into a wholesome blessing. However, one common factor is absolutely essential, for human life to become, such a blessing – GOD. Without our Creator, the God of the Bible, becoming part of our lives, it is impossible for us to make our lives a blessing. This is the simple truth of life which this Latin motto says, “NISI DOMINUS FRUSTA” – meaning, “Without the Lord, Frustration.”
– “…Nisi Dominus Frusta…comes from the first words of this psalm [Psalm 127] 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.” – James Boice

Psalm 127, is a short, but very important Psalm. The truth it reveals is very important for anyone, to have a meaningful and purposeful life. The five short verses reveal to us, the secret of success in all the dimensions, that our lives are made up of – “Home, Safety, Labour, Families.”
– “​1 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.  2 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.  3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” – Psalm 127:1-3

1- “​1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it…”
The point to note is that, we can build on our own. However, to build without God as our active Partner, is a waste of time, effort and energy – this is what “…they labour in vain that build it…” means. We can pour in our efforts to build ‘houses’ but they do not become “homes” for sure…except, the human efforts factor in the Creator, and all His precious and priceless principles, faithfully adopted, and obediently followed.

2- “…except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”
Our efforts for our safety and security – be it personal, city and society – is again a waste of time, effort and energy, if the LORD God Almighty, the LORD of Hosts is not part of our efforts. We not only have to believe that, it is God who truly protects us, but actively demonstrate such faith, in our thoughts, words and deeds. Psalm 91:1-2,14-16, is a very fine example.

3- “2 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.”
Every person has dreams. We all want our dreams to come true. For our dreams to come true, we have to, not only work towards them, but work with a clear plan, and with all our heart. Even though our efforts are essential and important, it is again of no use, if God is not part of all our efforts, and His principles are not made, the bedrock of all our efforts.

4- “3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”
Family is the smallest unit in a society, like a brick in the building. However, without bricks, the building has no structure. Such is the value placed by God upon families and the offspring. The Psalmist is not merely speaking about the conception, and the birth of children; there is much more to. children, than merely being born into this world. They are the ones who carry forward the legacy of the family. If the LORD has no part in the lives of our children, then all our efforts at child bearing and rearing is a vanity and a waste of all our time, effort and energy. 

How about us this morning? What role does the LORD play in our lives? What role is He given in our lives? Let us remember always, “NISI DOMINUS FRUSTA” – meaning, “Without the Lord, Frustration.”