The only way to remain in God’s presence is to remain in God’s presence.
I was thinking about the verses from today’s reading and their stark differences. 1 Kings 10 reveals “the fame of Solomon and his relation to the name of the Lord,” and how “the whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart,” (vv. 1, 24). While 1 Kings 11 discusses Solomon’s love for foreign women, “about which the Lord had told the Israelites…’they will surely turn your hearts after their gods,’” and because of his decisions the Lord said, “Since this is your attitude…I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates,” (vv. 2, 11).
It’s easy for me to read this and think, “Wow, man, you really screwed up,” without ever taking an honest look at the times in my own life when I turned away to “foreign gods” (like money, promotion, and praise from other people) and expected them to fulfill and satisfy my life in the same way my daily relationship with God had.
As I was thinking about today’s reading and some of the things the queen of Sheba had said about Solomon, I realized I want those same things spoken about my walk with the Lord and my relationship to Him: “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and wisdom is true… Praise be to the Lord your God who has delighted in you,” (1 Kings 10:6, 9).
What an awesome compliment: Praise be to the Lord your God who has delighted in you. My prayer is that I would remain, daily, in God’s presence and be known as a woman in whom God delights.
Heatherpotts5
Sixty-six books in a year 