“The most important thing about you is what you believe about God.”
So said A.W. Tozer, well-known Chicago-area pastor and author of the last century, in the first paragraph of his book The Knowledge of the Holy. And he was right. The most important thing about you is what you believe about God because what you believe about God shapes your whole view of life in this world. Your understanding of who God is and what He is like lays the foundation for your actions in and reactions to the situations and circumstances that unfold along your journey through this world.
One of the most significant realities about God is the truth that He is the ever-present God. He is the God who is faithful to His people. The God who goes before them, goes with them, and follows behind them. This is particularly encouraging and reassuring when teh situation we are facing is challenging.
In 1 Chronicles 28, the Kingdom of Israel is transitioning from the leadership of David to Solomon. In addition to this great responsibility, Solomon was also being charged with the task of building the Temple – the house of God.
In the midst of this situation, David challenges and encourages Solomon:
“Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God – my God – will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.” (1 Chronicles 28:20)
Solomon was facing a mammoth challenge. A challenge in which he felt himself to be as a little child. Knowing this, David encouraged his son to keep in mind that God was with Him. The infinite, eternal, all-powerful God was with him. He would be for him. He would provide all that Solomon required to discharge his mammoth responsibility.
And, He would never leave him. His eye would ever be upon him. His ear would ever be attentive to his cry. His delight would be to bless – to delight and encourage and grant success to Solomon’s efforts as he hoped in the Lord. As it was for Solomon, so it is for us. Our God is the infinite and eternal God, ever present, always watchful, mindful of everything that concerns us. His eye is always upon us. He knows everything about us. His ear is attentive to our cry. And it will always be so. He will never walk away from us. He will never abandon us. And even when things get difficult, He is still present, strengthening and enabling all who call on Him. Delivering them.
And one more thing – notice how David emphasizes his personal relationship with God – “for the Lord God – my God – will be with you.” The Lord was David’s God. Yes, He was the God of the people. But more than that, He was David’s God. And He is your God.
So be encouraged by the truth of who and what your Father in heaven is. Reflect on these realities and give opportunity for the Holy Spirit to work them deep into the fabric of your thinking so that they will shape the way you view your life in this world.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Guy