Scripture:
1 Chronicles 22:17-19 ESV
[17] David also commanded all the leaders of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying, [18] “Is not the Lord your God with you? And has he not given you peace on every side? For he has delivered the inhabitants of the land into my hand, and the land is subdued before the Lord and his people. [19] Now set your mind and heart to seek the Lord your God. Arise and build the sanctuary of the Lord God, so that the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the holy vessels of God may be brought into a house built for the name of the Lord.”
Observation:
King David wanted his son to have the best chance at success. He instructed his top guys to help him. Saying the groundwork has been laid out your enemies have been defeated and it’s time for progress. He knew his time was short. Because his age was starting to show. Yet there was still a lot to get done. The temple had to be built so that the items used to worship had a permanent building and not a tent to be stored in. However, right in the middle of this scripture is a diamond. David was concerned about making GOD a place to call home. But what good is that place if no one is seeking him? There was rest on every side, and David knew the tendency of Israel. When things are easy and life is good there is rest from war and the enemy seems to be leaving them alone. It can be easy to forget how that rest came about, to begin with. But when there is war they have to fight every step of the way, when they are pressed on every side that’s when they would seek GOD.
Application:
I don’t know about you but when I am doing well in life it’s easy to sit back on the accomplishments and think…look at this life is so good, and forget how I got there to begin with. But when things are hard and I don’t have any answers what do I do…is that when I cry out to Jesus? Can’t I let you in on a secret? GOD wants a relationship with you. He wants you to seek HIM in bad times yes. But HE also wants your attention in good times as well, and if the only time HE hears from you is when life sucks…well be prepared for life to suck a lot. This can honestly be said about all relationships your wife/husband/kids want your attention, and if the only time they get it is when things suck well get ready. Because things are going to suck. My word for the last few years has been intentional. We have to be Intentional about seeking GOD it has to be a pursuit. We have to seek HIM in the good times as well as the bad. That’s what a relationship is. Walking through life together. Your heavenly father wants to meet with you in the cool of the day and walk beside you through all of it. How much are you willing to give HIM? My suggestion give it all not just the bad. I believe that if you do that…your life experience will be much smoother. Because you will know that GOD is in control. In the good times and the bad.
Prayer:
Father, you desire a relationship with us. You want us not to hide. But to come to you fully exposed. Good bad and ugly. Intentional about seeking you. I think about your word, and it says…ask, seek, knock. There is intention in these actions. Let us not forget when times are good about how we got there, and when we don’t have the answers help us to crawl up in your lap and say Abba Father. You are so good and your love endures the test of time. We want healthy relationships in our lives. I believe that starts with a healthy relationship with you. Seeking you in good and in bad. You just want to share the breath of life with us. Let us be intent on seeking you. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen