Monday, March 17 1 Chronicles 28:20

David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.”

GOD AT YOUR SIDE, ALWAYS

It can`t be easy being the offspring of someone famous. People will stare at you from day one, waiting to see if you are truly a “chip off the old block.” It`s true whether it`s in politics, entertainment or sports.

For Solomon, the pressure must have been terrific. After all, he was the son of King David, the legendary leader of Israel. Adding to it, David declared that God had selected Solomon to follow him to the throne. Now, to prepare for that future, he was tasked to build the temple of the Lord that would house the Ark of the Covenant. This would be the spiritual center of their civilization. David gave Solomon very specific instructions on how the temple was to be made — very specific. The kind that can drive you crazy wondering, “Did I do everything right?”

Solomon was told he would have all manner of people to help him, but the most important help was the kind that would be with Solomon all his life. Don`t be afraid, David said, because God is with you.

It wasn`t only the mighty Solomon that had God with him, giving him support. We all do, even today. God is with you and me, even if sometimes it might not seem like it. God is right there in your daily toils and your terrible moments of trial. It may be hard to relax and rely on God, but it is important. Even if you doubt, God is there. Whether you are building magnificent structures, creating great pieces of art or fixing a faucet, you can count on God being behind you.

Dear God, as we go through our days doing the things we need to do, whether it is life-changing events or small moments of compassion, you are there. Thank you! Amen

Ken Hobart

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