🐱2 Chronicles 1-10, Psalm 103: 17-18: Parallels: 1 Kings 3:7-9
After the death of King David, his young son Solomon ascends to the throne, taking the responsibility of ruling over the kingdom of Israel. Faced with this huge task, Solomon turns his heart towards God. Seeking divine wisdom & guidance, he finds himself at the tabernacle, the holiest place he knows, established by his father in Jerusalem. Within the tabernacle dwells the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred and tangible symbol of God’s covenant & presence among His people. In this sacred space, in the presence of the Lord & the revered Ark, Solomon seeks the favor of the Lord. This shows the significance of prayer as a means of connecting with God & seeking His will in our lives. Following his father David’s example, Solomon humbly seeks God’s guidance.
💭As a traveler, I have encountered God’s presence in various locations worldwide. Yet, there are two places I consider my personal “tabernacles” where I experience an intimate connection with God.
⛪️🙏🏻The first is sitting beside my mom on the wooden pews of my hometown church, gazing at the familiar stained glass windows. These images have become etched in my mind as I seek to connect with God. In this sacred space, I not only receive the warm embrace of my church family but also acknowledge their role in nurturing my relationship with God. The second place where I feel a profound closeness to God is when I ride alongside my dad, exploring our ranch. Amidst God’s magnificent creations—enduring pastures, flourishing gardens, gentle cattle, humble mules, and graceful deer—I am reminded of His unwavering presence despite worldly challenges. The cherished fields and steadfast windmills symbolize the tangible ark of God’s power and provision.
✝️Regardless of my physical location, I can close my eyes and transport myself to these sacred places. There, in the presence of God, I seek His guidance and surrender my heart to His divine will, knowing that He is present, preparing me for His purposes.
💬Where is your “tabernacle”? Have you ever found yourself stepping into a role or responsibility for which you felt unprepared? How can we better prepare ourselves in such situations? In what ways can a parent’s/person’s faith and spiritual practices influence the lives and achievements of others?
🙏🏻🐈⬛Oh heavenly Father our Redeemer. Today we are thankful for having your presence in our lives anywhere we may be in the world. Let us look to you when we are feeling unprepared for our job, schoolwork, even just our daily lives. Let us find time today to have that quiet moment to meditate with you and humbly ask for your wisdom and will for our life today, tomorrow and always. In your name we pray together, Amen.
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