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Daily Devotion: 1 Chronicles 29:18

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1 Chronicles 29:18    "O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee"

We are continuing in David's prayer for his son, Solomon, and the people of Israel as they are beginning the tremendous task of building the temple unto God. This verse intrigues me as I look at the beginning of it.... "  "O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel..."  The reason for my intrigue is due to the fact that most times, this is worded as the "... God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Jacob ..."  But in this passage, God chose to use the name, Israel.  I see something very important in those words. We just concluded the study of these three men in the book of Genesis. I will do a very quick recap by inserting the action of God toward these men. He is the God of Promise, Provision, and Transformation. God promised a better place for Abraham. He Provided the ram of substitution for Isaac. He transformed Jacob into Israel in a marvelous and miraculous manner. In all these things, we see God as the source of all hope, power, and contentment.

As the people are beginning the work, David is praying for the Lord to always keep these things before their faces.  "Keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee"  As I read this verse, I see David asking God to keep the hearts and minds of the people in proper perspective. One of the greatest downfalls for any of us is that we sometimes can lose our focus and that causes us to steer away from the path God has prepared for us. He has promised peace and joy in our hearts and minds. He has provided the righteous substitute in Christ Jesus. He has transformed us by His Holy Spirit. May we always stay true to the course that has been given us. Please, Lord, "keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee."

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