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Verse of the Day and Devotion
“Now begin the work. And may the Lord be with you.” – I Chronicles 22:16 ERV
Devotion
King David wanted to build a temple for the Lord. However, the Lord would not let him build it because of all the blood that was on his hands. (I Chronicles 22:8) The Lord decided that David’s son Solomon, a man of peace, would build it. As a result, David limited his contribution to gathering all the materials necessary for the temple. He said to Solomon, “Now, son, may the Lord be with you. May you be successful and build the Temple for the Lord your God, as he said you would . . . Be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid.” (I Chronicles 22:11,13)
And that’s when David spoke the words of our verse for today, “Now begin the work. And may the Lord be with you.”
Like Solomon, the Lord has given you a project that you’re responsible for. Maybe, on the one hand, it’s not as big and important as Solomon’s project was. Maybe, on the other hand, it is big and important. Whatever the case may be, it’s your project and you’re responsible for it. Like Solomon, there have probably been people who came before you who wanted to do it, but never did. Maybe they got some things started, but they never finished the job. As a result, it’s your project for the most part and it’s your job to get it done.
The people around you are urging you in the same way David urged Solomon. They’re saying, “Now begin the work. And may the Lord be with you.”
It’s time, then, to get things started! It’s time to step out in faith. The Lord gave you the word about the project and you must obey His word. You really don’t have a choice in the matter. You’re a follower of Jesus and this is the way He wants to go. (Matthew 16:24) Don’t let reluctance to enter the unknown keep you from getting started. Don’t let reluctance to leave behind the known and the familiar keep you from it either. Be what David said Solomon should be: “Be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid.”
Let the words of the Apostle Paul encourage you: “Yes, it is God who is working in you. He helps you want to do what pleases him, and he gives you the power to do it.” (Philippians 2:13)
