A GOD-FEARING HOME

This psalm presents a beautiful picture of a home that is marked by the fear of the Lord. The man of the house is happy because he sets the pattern of life in godly fear. One quaint translation of verse 2 is, “O well is thee and happy shalt thou be”. How relevant are the expressions of this Song of Degrees to conditions of today. In everyday life, the family is threatened. We are told that one out of every three marriages end in the divorce court. We cannot help wondering what hope there is for the future, and we certainly cannot blame many young people for their scepticism in regard to married life.

A home where God is honoured, where the atmosphere is governed by the fear of the Lord, is bound to be happy. Look at the picture painted by the psalmist. The man is industrious, not idle. He eats because he works and his family enjoys the benefit, v. 2. Remember that godliness never sanctions idleness; note 2 Thess. 3. 7-13. The wife is as a fruitful vine, v. 3. She is not the slave, exploited by the rest of the household (often the case), but in the innermost parts of the house she provides satisfying qualities that establish a contented home life. Note Titus 2. 3-5. In spite of much that is said today, it is no disgrace for a woman to be keeping things together at home. And children are like olive plants or branches round the table, v. 4. This gives a lovely touch to the picture. Meal times in a happy, God-fearing home can be wonderful occasions, not only for feeding physically, but for enjoying the spiritual food of th6 Word of God. What about “the family altar”?

The family is essentially the foundation for the fruitful development of human life. Notice that the affairs of the nation are linked with the affairs of the home, vv. 5-6. Note how this patriot writes of blessing “out of Zion”, “the good of Jerusalem”, “peace upon Israel”. All that was precious to the chosen people of God is matched to His favour in the home.

The Lord Jesus valued homes as He was here on earth. There was a special place for Him in the home at Bethany, John 12. 1-2. It is interesting to note that when Paul moved into the western world with the gospel, it was a home of a woman “whose heart the Lord opened” that was opened to him and his friends, Acts 16. 14-15. Where He is feared, others are welcome!