David is about to end his reign in Israel by turning the kingdom over to his son, Solomon. He addresses his son in what appears to be a public forum and he leaves him with a solemn charge. It’s a charge that we might consider ours. He says to his son, “And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found…”
David makes it clear to his son that there is nothing that can be hid from God. He knows the most intimate detail of every aspect of our existence. Our professions are tested by the sincerity of our hearts. He is ever present and ever knowing and he wishes our full commitment of heart and he wants a willing mind.
I like what Leslie Allen says. “Every motive is under His scrutiny. Sometimes we hoodwink ourselves, and try to hoodwink God, that our service is wholehearted, when in reality it is obviously less than that. Of course, so complex is our psychological make-up and so pervasive is our fallen nature that lesser motives tag along with our noblest endeavors. The best one can do is never quite good enough. What God asks of us in this situation, I suggest, is that our main intent be Godward.”
If we are Godward in our main intent, we will find Him there all along. David says to his son, “if you seek him, he will be found.” Jesus quoted this when he said “Ask and you shall receive. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened unto you.”
One of the Baptism candidates yesterday said in her testimony that she was longing and looking for someone to know and understand her. But she found in Jesus that He was there all the time. And He understood her completely.
It’s that way with all of us. We need but keep our sails tacked on a Godward course.
Chuck
“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16