Passage of the Day:
David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.11 Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.12 Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.13 Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.14 “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. 15 We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope, 1 Chronicles 29:10-15.
Reflection:
The context of David’s prayer occurs as preparation for the building of God’s temple is about to begin. Just as Moses asked the Israelites to bring offerings in preparation for the construction of God’s tabernacle, a temporary place of worship, King David urges Israel to provide the necessary resources for a permanent structure. Although David wanted to build this temple, God chose his son Solomon to complete this special project. Whenever you’re denied or rejected in life, hope seems like a shadow. Yet, as Christians learn to seize each day that God gives them, hope becomes a reality.
Prayerful Action:
And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, statutes and decrees and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided.” 20 Then David said to the whole assembly, “Praise the Lord your God.” So they all praised the Lord, the God of their fathers; they bowed down, prostrating themselves before the Lord and the king, 1 Chronicles 29:19-20.
Clinging to a Glimmer of Hope this Fall:
Sometimes hope comes from getting behind a cause that God and the Holy Spirit is behind. In this age of self-absorbed and self-seeking individuals, hope is found in becoming part of something bigger than yourself. Despite David’s sinful and weak moments in life, his final years on earth was focused on getting behind a permanent temple to worship the Lord. When you’re on your own, following the desires of your sinful nature, the only thing others will see is your shadow. However, when God’s people begin to pursue God’s calling, hope and a sense of purpose follow.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
When you lose sight of God, hope becomes a mere shadow. Yet, when you reach out to the Lord for help, spiritual progress gives birth to hope.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 