Day 6: Through all generations
"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” (1 Chronicles 29:19).
Oh Heavenly Father, You are good and Your love endures forever; Your faithfulness continues through all generations (Psalm 100:5).
How well David knew this as his life drew to a close and he prepared to hand over his kingdom and his leadership responsibilities to his son Solomon! David did all he could to prepare for a smooth and easy transition to Solomon's reign. But most important to him was his spiritual legacy—his all-encompassing desire to have his son keep God's commands, statutes and decrees with wholehearted devotion (1 Chronicles 29:19).
David made many prudent and practical provisions for Solomon's reign, and he very wisely requested support from the nation for his young and inexperienced son—nonetheless carefully describing him as the one whom God has chosen. He defined the priority for both the nation and his son—honoring God by building a palatial structure...not for man, but for the Lord God ( 1 Chronicles 29:1).
Father, help us to learn from David's example. He understood the need to equip his son for his responsibilities in the world. But he understood the even greater need to provide him with a godly heritage and a focus beyond this life that would anchor his soul in God.
Lord God, Ancient of Days, our time on earth is so brief—a mere handbreadth (Psalm 39:5). We have only a short time to pass on to our children the values and priorities that are important for this life and the next. You have entrusted to us the privilege and the responsibility of caring not just for their physical welfare—body, mind, emotions—but also for their souls. Help us. We swim against a contrary tide.
Give us, like David, the wisdom and the prudence to gather the necessary resources and support for our children. Give us the resolve, the courage, and the fortitude to pray for them without ceasing. Give us the love and the patience to listen, to instruct, to encourage, and to correct. Help us to be channels of blessing for the sacred trust you have given us.
We pray with the words of the psalm, Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare Your power to the next generation, Your mighty acts to all who are to come (Psalm 71:18).
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