Know David’s God

“As for you, my son Solomon, KNOW the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. 10 Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be courageous and act.” 1 Chronicles 28:9-10 [emphasis mine]

This is not a suggestion but an order, an imperative from David to his son Solomon–“KNOW the God of your father…”. He, who has known God personally is now charging his son Solomon to make efforts to KNOW his father’s God by seeking Him with all his being.

What a passion for God David had! He could have told Solomon, “Be rich and powerful.” Instead, he is urging Solomon to seek God with all his being as he undertakes his responsibility to build God’s temple.

The question now is, “Do I know God as David knew God? If I were Solomon, how can I know God better?”

God wants me to know Him better–that’s the bottom line, but how? As Asaph said in one of his psalms of thanksgiving in 1 Chronicles 16:11-12:

“11 Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually.

12 Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done,

His marvels and the judgments from His mouth.”

I can remember what one preacher once said to this effect, “The more you know God, the more you will serve Him. The more you serve Him, the more you will trust Him. The more you trust Him, the more you will love Him.” Let me add this, “The more you love Him, the more you can obey Him.”

Do I know my God? Do I make enough efforts to seek and fellowship with Him daily?

Prayer:

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for this reminder from David. Give us a heart like David’s. Give us that passionate heart that only yearns to know You! As we undertake different responsibilities, help us to seek Your strength and your deity by learning more from Your word and works. Forgive us for being distracted at times by the things of this world but help us O Father to continually seek You! Thank You for all your blessings. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!

The Ultimate Way to Spiritual Success

“11 Now, my son, the Lord be with you that you may be successful, and build the house of the Lord your God just as He has spoken concerning you. 12 Only the Lord give you discretion and understanding, and give you charge over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. 13 Then you will prosper, if you are careful to observe the statutes and the ordinances which the Lord commanded Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and courageous, do not fear nor be dismayed.” 1 Chronicles 22:11-13

David was disqualified to build the temple for God because he had “shed much blood and waged great wars” during his reign BUT God appointed his son Solomon to do it instead. Here’s his encouragement for his son:

“11 Now, my son, the Lord be with you that you may be successful, and build the house of the Lord your God just as He has spoken concerning you. 12 Only the Lord give you discretion and understanding, and give you charge over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. 13 Then you will prosper, if you are careful to observe the statutes and the ordinances which the Lord commanded Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and courageous, do not fear nor be dismayed.” 1 Chronicles 22:11-13

How can I apply this in my personal life? What does God want me to learn from these verses? This is what the Holy Spirit impressed upon my heart. The way to spiritual success is obedience to God’s clear command from His Word.

Do I have struggles and doubts? I need to feed my faith by listening to His word!

Do I want to have a godly family?
Do I want to succeed in my studies?
Do I want a godly relationship with the people I meet?

God’s Word is our manual to wise living!

I need to read more of His Word! I need to listen to my spiritual authorities! I need to trust and obey God!

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we are grateful for your blessings. Forgive us for sometimes thinking that success is found somewhere in the world. Help us to remember that being  spiritually successful is achieved when we trust and follow Your Word. Give us Your special grace to always obey you! Bless our desire to honor You with our obedience. Thank You for your help. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!