Your Whole Heart For God!

8 "So now I charge you in the sight of all Israel and of the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God: Be careful to follow all the commands of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and pass it on as an inheritance to your descendants forever. 9 "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve (worship) Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. . . . 20 David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you . . . " 1 Chronicles 28:8-9, 20 (NIV).

As King David prepared to transfer the kingship of Israel to his son, Solomon, he gave final instructions to Solomon and to all the people listening (1 Chronicles 28:1). God promised to King David an eternal kingdom and to bless his family line with kings (1 Chronicles 17). This promise is often called the Davidic covenant (see also 2 Samuel 7:1-29). Also, this promise was one of a series of promises between God and His people – with Abraham (Genesis 12; Genesis 17:1), with Moses at Sinai (Exodus 20), and now with King David. This promise of God was fulfilled in the New Testament with the arrival of Jesus the Messiah of King David’s royal family line (Luke 1:32-33).

King David told Solomon in the hearing of all Israel to be careful to obey God's commands and to wholeheartedly follow and seek God, and to serve God first. The Holy Scriptures are God’s Words and are essential for life, peace and justice. King David knew of the importance of following God’s will and His teaching.  He had courageously, humbly, and wholeheartedly served God. King David instructed the people listening to also have a wholehearted loyalty, dedication, and devotion to God and God’s will. 

God searches every heart and nothing is hidden from God (1 Chronicles 28:9). He sees our inner heart, thoughts, and motives.  King David encouraged the people to be completely open, honest, and loyal to God. God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving.  No one can hide any thought, action, pain, sadness, or fear from God.  As we walk with God’s Son, Jesus the Messiah, Jesus works within our hearts to "to will and to act according to His good purpose'' (Philippians 2:13).  Besides, “he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17). So, let everyone “be strong and courageous” in trusting God (1 Chronicles 28:20-21). God is with us (Matthew 1:23) and let us all be with God by following His will and ways!