A Word to the Wise

Even a day after Christmas, I begin looking forward to a new year. Most folks who have known me for any amount of time know I like to have a guiding verse from Scripture for a new year. I don't discount the rest of the Bible but like having a verse I can memorize and bring to recall whenever I want. A verse recently presented itself in one of our Sunday school lessons. I know in time past, I've read it but it never gripped me like that day teaching the lesson.

One of the items on King David's “bucket list” was to see to the building of God's temple. However, that was not to be. Because of critical sin in David's life, he not only lived through the death of his baby son Bathsheba had given birth to, but David was also deprived of the privilege of building the temple. Such crushing blows in his life didn't deter him from his love for God or his renewed fervor for maintaining a close relationship with his Heavenly Father. Many people would have turned from God for less, but David, the man after God's own heart, didn't lose faith in God or for His continued will in David's life. It pleased David to know that his son, Solomon, would be not only king but the builder of that wonderful place of worship for God's people.

In I Chronicles, toward the end of David's life, we read how active he was in organizing what he could toward the building of the temple. He kept the people informed and excited about the erecting of that magnificent edifice. Solomon had not yet acceded to the throne when David sat down with his son to share with his son words of encouragement.

I must interject here how I came across one of the verses from Scripture I have underlined and just about have memorized. They aren't just words to a son from his father King but they speak to my heart every time I look at them. This verse was foreign to me mostly because of where it is located. There are so many gems in Scripture tucked away in some Old Testament books, books we rarely venture into. It was such a privilege for me recently to be able to hold my computer in my lap and be a part of the live broadcast of the funeral of Cliff Barrows, the long time music director for Billy Graham. They had worked together from the beginning along with George Beverly Shea and others. I believe all of the team has gone to Heaven now leaving Billy Graham here with us for a time.

One of the speakers spoke at great length of Mr. Barrows deep love and dedication to the Scriptures. In final days, he was either blind or close to it but had memorized so much Scripture, he could speak it freely. One of his favorite verses, the gentleman said, was the verse I share with you...words from a loving father...words of wisdom to the soon to be seated King, David's son Solomon who would come to be known as the wisest man on earth. Picture two men sitting together...one an older man, King of Israel for 40 years...the other younger with his kingdom yet ahead of him.

And David said to Solomon His son,
Be strong and of good courage,
and do it:
fear not, nor be dismayed:
for the Lord God, even my God,
will be with thee;
he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee,
until thou hast finished all the work
for the service of the house of the Lord.
I Chronicles 28:16

As I read this verse that is now heavily underlined in my Bible, I still get goose bumps as I read how clearly God spoke through that father to his son. The thrill for me is in the fact that I felt the Holy Spirit giving me the same words of encouragement.

David knew his son would need great courage and strength and I love how David added like any father might “and do it.” David knew days of discouragement would come but God's presence would be ever with Solomon in all he had to accomplish. David promised as he himself had come to know that God wouldn't fail or forsake Solomon with all he had ahead of him in finishing this special work for the Lord.

Guess what?...this isn't the first place we read in Scripture about the constant presence of God with us. His promise to never leave or forsake us is as true today as it was in David's day. With whatever God has called me to do, I need to be strong and of good courage and so do you. By now, we should know from the very depths of our beings that God is faithful by his presence and power to see us through those tasks he has called us to no matter how small or large. No, we aren't called to build huge buildings such as Solomon's Temple, but perhaps we're called to have a part in building lives...lives of families, church members, businesses...all to be done to God's glory.

Cuddle up sometime in these busy holiday times with this verse, take it in, let it sink into your spirit and claim those blessed words for your own. They can be of great encouragement as we stand at the brink of a new year. We don't know what this year holds, but we do know Who holds it in the palm of His hand. As I can recall someone saying to me...”A word to the wise is sufficient.”

Thank You Father, for Your precious promises in our Bibles meant for us on an everyday basis. Help us to take them personally and apply them to our lives. May we cling to such precious promises of Your constant presence with us. Thank You for the strength and encouragement You pour into our lives. In Jesus' precious name....Amen