David’s time as king was quickly coming to an end, which he understood and was ready for. At age 70, he had lived a full and, for the most part, blessed life. David worshiped God with his heartfelt praises acknowledging all that he had experienced God to be. He praised God for his greatness, his power, for being glorious, victorious and majestic. David knew that all he and all that everyone had were gifts from the one true God. David knew how little and insignificant he was in comparison to the God of the universe, which overwhelmed him even more in all the ways God cared for him and led him.
As David prepared to die, his concerns and focuses were on the people as a whole he is going to be leaving behind. He asks God to help them fix their hearts on him so they will not stray but will always walk in obedience and surrender to him. His second concern is specifically for Solomon, that he would remain steadfast in God’s love, not losing his faith or relationship with God as he would soon lead the Israelites as king and David desired that they would continue to be led by a godly man.
The most obedient way we can honor God is by worshiping and praising him in all ways, in all times and in all the circumstances of our lives, especially in those times of challenge and testing. A few years ago, for the month of November daily I wrote down one thing I was thankful for leading up to Thanksgiving day. Even though it is not November and Thanksgiving day has passed, I invite and challenge you to join me in writing down one thing daily in December that you are thankful for in your relationship with Christ or one attribute of God you appreciate that has seen you through a difficult time. Will you join me? I cannot think of a more worshipful way to praise God as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Praising God is what we were created to do as his children. Be sure to praised him each day all year long.
Eleanor Chew
Extended Scripture: 1 Chronicles 28–29
