04/24/2020
Devotional Thought:
This past week, in my daily Bible reading, I read 1 Chronicles 28:20, in which King David is old and passing on the throne of Israel to his son, Solomon. As if it were not a big enough responsibility to try to fill David's shoes, David has for years been saving building materials for the building of the temple in Jerusalem, given Solomon the plans for it, and charges him that it must be "exceedingly magnificent." This was a huge responsibility for a 20-year-old.
However, David comforts Solomon with these words:
"Be strong and of good courage, and do it. Fear not, nor be discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, will be with you. He will not fail you, nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work."
David was quoting from God's words to Joshua about 450 years earlier, when Moses had just died and Joshua was not only taking over from a legendary leader (as would Solomon), but had the huge responsibility of leading the children of Israel into and conquering the Promised Land.
Both Joshua and Solomon were young and had big responsibilities. Most people in the Army are also fairly young and often have much greater responsibilities than others of similar age. Some of these include:
1. Living far from home and family
2. Performing dangerous duties
3. Defending the freedom of our country, our people and our allies
Yet just as God assured Joshua of God's presence and guidance, and just as David promised Solomon the same, God is still there for us also. If we seek Him, He is there for us, comforting, leading, giving us purpose and joy. He will ultimately lead us to victory over our situation and responsibilities, just as He did for Joshua and Solomon!