When Joshua went into the Promised Land, many of us know that he was encouraged to be strong and courageous. In fact if you are a Bible student you connect that exhortation to Joshua. But Joshua wasn’t the only one.
David was old and full of years and about to go the way of the earth. He had done all that he could and now it was time to commission his son. While David had wanted to build a temple for the Lord, the Lord said he had shed too much blood, but that his son Solomon would build it for him.
The Lord had given David all the details and plans of the temple (1 Chr 28:19). Because of this David was able to make ready for Solomon the build possible—the materials, the skilled labor, the plans…everything.
“Then David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He won’t leave you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the LORD’s house is finished” (1 Chr 28:20).
Why the need to encourage his son to be strong and courageous? And to not be afraid or discouraged? Primarily because there would be many times when Solomon would want to give up, that he would get discouraged, that he would become afraid internally and from the enemies of Israel, and that others might look down on him because of his youth and inexperience.
Whenever we take on a work for the Lord, or need to believe him in prayer, we need to be reminded to not let discouragement to win and to have courage and strength. There are seasons of life where it feels like evil prevails. When one wonders where is God and where are his promises? These are the seasons we must persevere and remember what God has called us to in this life.
