These are the words of a man who is in physical and mental anguish because of his sins, who feels all alone in the world. His only hope is the one he has offended most. Yet, he pleads for the LORD’s forgiveness and restoration. He waits for the LORD, confident that the LORD will answer. He only pleads that it be soon, so that his enemies do not use his down time to ridicule his faith in the LORD.
LORD, come quickly and rescue us. Do not let us be put to shame, because we hope in you.
After abandoning the LORD, Rehoboam was humbled by a foreign invasion, but not completely destroyed. The LORD wanted him to know the difference between serving him and serving other gods. The difference was that Rehoboam and his people enjoyed a measure of peace and a measure of war. They had their feet in both worlds, and considered it normal.
LORD, may we never settle for a new normal. We seek your kingdom and your righteousness alone.
David encourages his listeners to realize that even though they will face adversaries, they should not worry, because all God’s enemies will eventually be destroyed. Soon they will be “no more” (10,36). Evil has no future in God’s universe. This is not a guarantee that we will never suffer in this life. It just gives us perspective that allows us to face this suffering without despair.
LORD, give us eyes to see your justice, so that we do not worry about the things we face.
God told Rehoboam not to engage in battle against his relatives because “this thing is from me.” The rebellion, the division, all of it was the working out of God’s ultimate plan. Often or tendency is to react to what is going on around us, and God wants us to concentrate of living lives of integrity amidst the turmoil. He has control over the circumstances that we think need to be changed. He is more concerned that we change.
LORD, give us the courage to trust you, even when things do not change the way we want.
The threats the psalmists calls to our attention are very real, because there are people who are deeply invested in transgression. They do not fear God, and are constantly plotting trouble for others. But God’s steadfast faithfulness and righteousness is just as real and just as constant. We may blow left and right with each strong wind, but God stays faithful to himself. He can be relied upon to rescue us.
LORD, thank you for the reality of your steadfast love.
God’s judgment upon the house of David prophesied by Ahijah began in this way: the LORD allowed Rehoboam to refuse to listen to his people. That was all that was needed for the union to unravel. It was that imperfect of a union.
We must understand the need for communication in leadership. We must never allow pride to cause us to tune down the feedback so necessary for our churches and businesses.
LORD, keep us tuned in to those we serve.
David feels betrayed. The very friends that he remembers praying and fasting for are now attacking him, and relishing in his troubles. He can only appeal to the righteous judge of all the earth. There are some things that are so unfair that only God can make them right again. When we feel betrayed by those we depended on, only God can sort it all out.
LORD, we hand our life situation over to you. We trust you to prevail.
The queen of Sheba examined all the aspects of Solomon’s rule and life and concluded that God loved Israel, so set him up as their king. Her evaluation of Solomon’s leadership was a reflection not on his power or wealth as much as it was his being a symbol of the LORD’s blessing.
We should learn to lead in such a way that people look at us and our relationships and see the Holy Spirit inside us. That is the kind of leaders that the world needs.
LORD, make us leaders who reflect your grace.
David was in a strange land among strange men. He cried out to the LORD, and was rescued. He sought refuge from the LORD, and was delivered. The LORD does not promise to keep us from times of trouble. If we never saw difficulties, we would not know the joy that David knew – the joy of the LORD as a refuge. We do not need to live in peace when we can have God’s presence to take us through the war. We do not need to be wealthy when we have a connection with the owner of all things. We do not need to be in control when we have access to the sovereign God.
LORD, teach us to rely on you.
The seeming implication of this chapter is that Solomon was successful in his other building projects because he had prioritized the temple. It is OK to bring our plans to the LORD as long as we have been considerate enough of his plans to obey them first. Often, however, we make bargains with the LORD that start out from our perspective. We say, “LORD, if you straighten me out, then I will serve you.” God blesses those who make up their minds to serve him first. If we wait around for God to do something for us first, we are choosing to serve out of gratitude. God wants us to serve out of faith.
LORD, we commit to build your temple – your kingdom. We expect you to bless us, but we are not waiting for the blessing before we put our hands to the task.
Psalm 38
2 Chronicles 12
Psalm 37
2 Chronicles 11
Psalm 36
2 Chronicles 10
Psalm 35
2 Chronicles 9
Psalm 34
2 Chronicles 8
