DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Promises, Promises
by Judy Webb
Divine Faithfulness Researching these texts was dizzying, as I opened my Thompson Chain Reference to continue the process, so many doors seemed to open to differing topics and explanations. But, after praying about it and asking for God to reveal what we might need most to hear right now is in verses 23 and 24 of 1Kings 8…
“Lord, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way. You have kept your promises to your servant David my father; with your mouth you have promised and with your hand you have fulfilled it—as it is today.”
The troubling times like those we live in today, require a God who is faithful and who keeps His promises. In this text, Solomon is dedicating the temple to just such a God.
Divine Hearing Verses 27-30 Solomon continues to pray, asking God to hear the prayers of his people. The false idols do not hear prayers and have no power to respond. Only the Devine Hearing of God, the one true God of Israel, can do this. The sad truth today is we can often make politics the idol we turn to when troubled, believing a person or a party and make it all better...when only God can.
“Hear the cry and the prayer that Your servant is praying in Your presence this day.” (v.28)
Divine Care Verses 54-61 speak to the love and care He gives to His people. Hopefully we are starting to understand that we will never find real pleasure and peace until we find a relationship with God. “May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us nor forsake us. (v. 58) We stand in daily need of the assistance of God. “Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:4)
These verses illustrate the balance between God’s work in the human heart and life on the one hand, and man's responsibility on the other. He is faithful, He hears us when we pray, and He cares for us. We must therefore trust and obey.
PRAYER
Dear Devine Heavenly Father, who keeps all His promises to His people, help us to recognize your hand in our lives. As you share Your Word with us, give us divine hearing which means the ability and desire to listen for Your Word and guidance. Come Holy Spirit! Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JUDY WEBB
I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.
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