The Lord Will be With Us Always

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Scripture: 1 Kings 8:57-58 (ESV)

57 The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our fathers. May he not leave us or forsake us, 58 that he may Incline our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments, his statutes, and his rules, which he commanded our fathers.

Devotion:

In 1 Kings 8:57-58, we find Solomon at the height of his kingship, having completed the magnificent temple in Jerusalem. The verses read: “May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave or forsake us. May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in obedience to him and keep the commands, decrees, and laws he gave our ancestors.”

These verses encapsulate a profound moment of dedication, a prayer that acknowledges God’s enduring presence and pleads for continued faithfulness. As we meditate on these words, several key themes emerge that can guide our devotion and reflection.

First and foremost, Solomon’s prayer begins with recognizing God's steadfast presence. "May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our ancestors." This statement is a powerful reminder that the same God who guided and sustained the patriarchs of old is the same God who walks with us today. It’s a call to remember the enduring nature of God's faithfulness through generations. When we feel alone or uncertain, we can draw strength from knowing that God’s presence is a constant, unchanging anchor in our lives, providing us with a sense of security and comfort.

Secondly, Solomon’s request that God "never leave us nor forsake us" speaks to a deep-seated human need for divine companionship and assurance. It echoes the promises found elsewhere in Scripture, such as in Deuteronomy 31:6, where Moses assures the Israelites that God will never abandon them. This plea is not just for physical presence but for God's guidance, protection, and favor. In our own lives, we, too, can seek this assurance, trusting that God is with us in every circumstance, providing comfort and direction.

The prayer then transitions to a plea for obedience: "May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in obedience to him and keep the commands, decrees, and laws he gave our ancestors." Solomon understands that the heart is the wellspring of action. By asking for hearts turned towards God, he acknowledges that faithful obedience leads to a transformed and devoted heart. This reminds us that our walk with God is not just about external compliance but a deep, heartfelt commitment to His ways, inspiring us to strive for such transformation in our own lives.

As we reflect on 1 Kings 8:57-58, let us be encouraged to seek God’s enduring presence in our lives, to trust in His unfailing companionship, and to commit our hearts to His path of obedience. May we, like Solomon, pray for a heart continually turned towards God, finding peace and purpose in His eternal faithfulness. This call for God's enduring presence reassures us of His constant care and gives us hope for the future.

Prayer:

            Lord, be near us today as you were near the Israelites in this narrative in 1 Kings. We often try to push you out of our lives, but you never completely forsake your children, no matter what we do. Thank you for loving us with such a strong love. May we forsake our sinful ways when we hear your call. May our lives show forth your beauty and forgiveness. Amen. 

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