As many welcome mats, door signs, and frames of fancy cursive adorn warehouse stores nationwide, you would think Joanna Gaines created house decor reading “God Bless Our Home.” Their Texas pride home renovation show “Fixer Upper” may have popularized blessings and scriptures as farmhouse chic decor, but the trend began centuries ago.
The first divine blessing of the home in the Bible is read in Genesis 39 during Joseph’s story of redemption. From slavery to supremacy, we follow Joseph and remain inspired, but it’s in Potiphar’s house where Joseph finds favor and is positioned for the rest of his life.
From the time [Potiphar] put [Joseph] in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.
Blessing the house isn’t something new a protestant preacher derived. It’s an ancient tradition to seek God’s presence in the home and His blessing on it.
From a group prayer in the living room to anointing the doorways and windows with oil, sprinkling holy water everywhere to hanging the obligatory profile of Jesus picture near the kitchen. Whatever it takes and wherever it fits, people have always wanted Jesus to bless their homes.
But today, it’s become a financial boondoggle.
Who knew that story would spark crazed interior design in the name of the Lord? It did. Unfortunately, there are only so many ways we can plaster “God Bless Our Home” on antiques, rustics, or recycled barnyard scrap.
Some scriptures in the Bible are specific to praying down to Heaven for the family’s home peace, neighborhood stability, and even for some sound sleep.
But, when you have a place you call home, there’s a crucial moment. That time when you find yourself strolling through the grain mills in Waco, the labyrinth at Hobby Lobby, or even sneaking around for a deal at your local warehouse for that just right to ask God bless our home.
Which scripture will you use to declare to all visitors and solicitors that the Lord has priority at the front door, the foyer, the fireplace mantle, or near the banister before you better take off your shoes and not track all that dirt upstairs, boy?
(I’m sorry, that wand for my son, and got carried away. Back to the story…)
Here are some of the most enduring scriptures and specific situations in the Bible to ask “God bless our home.”
Before Entering Someone’s House
Scriptures are written for how to bless someone else’s home as they ask, “God bless our home.” Help the Lord. Pay it forward. Here are a few ways to do that for your neighbors.
“But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you.” (Luke 10:5-6 NKJV)
Now, walking into someone’s home and the first thing you say is “Peace to this house” may have your gentle hosts looking at you funny. You can mask it with Messianic-Jewish loving friends with a “Shalom” greeting. If you have younger friends, dab them up and say “Peace.” Or, you can say it as a prayer sitting on the couch.
But, say it.
How the House is Built
Three of the strongest gifts Christians are provided are knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. As I’ve always shared with my family, “Knowledge is the ‘WHAT,’ Wisdom is the ‘WHY,’ and Understanding is the ‘HOW.'”
All three must be obtained to gain the full mysteries of what God intends for us. So, when it comes time to build or bless a home, Solomon gives us a Proverb that helps.
Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. (Proverbs 24:3-4 NKJV)
Perfect. The “what” fills the home. The “why” builds the home. And the “how” gives it the foundation. Stand on that as children of God. Your home. His foundation. Stand tall!
But What Made This Place
In the Old Testament, God’s people knew the Father needed to be present in the details. We hear from God on to how to build a house and even who to invite inside, but is there a secret ingredient to building a home?
Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that made this place. For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time. (2 Chronicles 7:15-16 NKJV)
The secret is prayer. That’s what bolsters the screws and strengthens the nails. It galvanizes the soil and unites the masonry. Most importantly, prayer is what keeps us all focused on the Word of God and vessels of the love to God bless our home.
And Who was the General Contractor
If we were the GC or foreman of our lives, that construction project would be a waste. It would never pass inspection and walls would begin to cave like dominoes. It would take someone who understands building a house with care and fastidious attention.
Every house is built by someone, but God is the Designer and Builder of all things. (Hebrews 3:4 TPT)
Anyone can build your house where you hang your hat, lay down and rest, and have some cool out time. You don’t need to know them or have fellowship with them, if that’s your thing. Yet, the boss knows everything about the plan. That’s the dude you need to offer drink and break bread. The pro who knows everything about the house before it’s even been built.
That’s who has the vision. And that is God Almighty!
Who Deserves Your Full Attention
Joshua had a stellar example in the faith. He watched Moses and understood the sacrifices he made for what mattered most. Now, bring it closer–Joshua is talking about his family.
And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your father served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15 NKJV)
Before you build a house, you should know what will hold that house together. If there is worship, who is the source of your affection and praise. Be a leader. Be a defender. Speak for everyone, “As for me–and my house–we will serve the Lord!”
Yes, and Amen!
How Should Your Home Feel to You and Others
Different homes give off a certain vibe. Whether it’s the smell good in the sockets around the house or a massive bouquet sitting in the foyer, vibes create first impressions.
How does the house smell? What are the first things you see on the walls? How does the art and accutrements around the home greet you? These things matter and why Hobby Lobby or At Home are masively successful.
What matters most about how we ask “God bless our home?” It’s about the Holy Spirit within it. The vibe the Spirit of God leaves in your dwelling place will be contagious and tangible.
My people will live in peaceful dwelling places in secure homes, in undistrubed places of rest. (Isaiah 32:18 NKJV)
“Oh, that place was so homey.” Ever been to one of those? If you live in one, you know what Isaiah meant–and now, do should everyone else.
One Reminder for Your Home
Every week “Close to Home” will explore trends or topics that hit close to your feelings or a promise you’ve been discussing with God.
You know? Something that hits “close to home.” (Get it?)
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