Bible with Brandi Week 29 – Psalms 133
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)
As my family has been displaced for the past month since our house fire, I have had the opportunity to better understand the Father’s heart—at least in the area of unity. We have been living in tight quarters and are about to move into a shared space with some beautiful friends. Both living situations provide the perfect opportunity to learn what it really means to live in unity.
One of the most difficult parts of this transition has been watching my kiddos work through their emotions about the fire. My children went from having bedrooms and space of their own to not having a single thing they can truly call theirs. At times, they get grumpy with each other. They become impatient, irritated, or short with one another. As a mom, it breaks my heart. But then I remember that it breaks our Father’s heart in much the same way when His children bicker and bite at one another. I don’t get upset because my children have emotions. I understand why they’re hurting. What saddens me is when their pain causes them to turn against one another instead of toward one another. I long for them to remember that they’re on the same team. Isn’t that exactly what God desires for His children?
Psalm 133 compares unity to the precious anointing oil poured over Aaron and to the refreshing dew that falls on the mountains. In the Old Testament, oil represented God’s anointing, His presence, and His consecration. Dew represented refreshing, life, and God’s faithful provision. Both continue to be beautiful pictures of blessing. Then comes this incredible promise: “For there the Lord commanded the blessing—Life forevermore.” (Psalm 133:3) Where there is unity, God commands blessing!
That doesn’t mean life is easy. My family is living proof that hardship still comes. But even in hardship, there is a blessing that accompanies hearts that choose love over offense, forgiveness over bitterness, and grace over keeping score. Unity doesn’t happen because everyone is easy to live with. Unity happens because we intentionally choose humility, patience, forgiveness, and love. Paul echoes this beautifully:
“With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:2–3)
Notice that Paul says we are to keep the unity of the Spirit. In Christ, unity has already been established. Our responsibility is to protect it. As we continue this unexpected journey, I’m praying that our family doesn’t just survive sharing close spaces but that we become more unified because of it. I want my children to learn that home isn’t defined by walls or bedrooms or belongings. Home is where love dwells.
And maybe that’s the lesson the Father has been teaching me all along.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for showing me Your heart through this season. Thank You that even in loss, You continue to teach, refine, and draw us closer to You and to one another. Help our family to choose unity, especially when emotions are high and circumstances are difficult. Teach us to be patient, kind, forgiving, and quick to extend grace. May our home, wherever it is, be marked by Your peace and Your presence. Let our relationships reflect the love of Christ, and may we always remember that we are on the same team. Thank You that where there is unity, You command Your blessing. May our family walk in that blessing all the days of our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.
