How does 1 Chronicles 22:18 encourage reliance on God's presence for success? Verse in Focus “Is not the LORD your God with you? And has He not granted you rest on every side? For He has handed the inhabitants of the land over to me, and the land is subject to the LORD and to His people.” (1 Chronicles 22:18) Key Observations • “Is not the LORD your God with you?” – Success begins with the settled fact of God’s nearness, not human ability. • “He has granted you rest on every side” – God’s presence produces peace, which clears the way for productive work. • “He has handed the inhabitants of the land over” – Victories already achieved prove that future goals depend on Him in the same way. • “The land is subject to the LORD and to His people” – Ultimate authority belongs to God; His people share in that authority only through relationship with Him. How the Verse Encourages Reliance 1. Past faithfulness fuels present confidence. – Remembering what God “has handed…over” builds faith for what still needs doing. 2. Present rest confirms ongoing guidance. – Peace “on every side” signals God’s active involvement; we move forward in that calm assurance. 3. God’s presence is the non-negotiable ingredient for success. – David points Solomon to God, not to blueprints or resources, though those will follow (vv. 2-4). 4. Authority flows downward. – Because “the land is subject to the LORD,” every task is performed under His rule; obedience releases His power. Practical Steps to Lean on God’s Presence • Recall specific moments of past deliverance (“He has handed”); write them down. • Cultivate rest—guard Sabbath rhythms, trusting that productivity springs from peace. • Begin each assignment by affirming, out loud if possible, “The LORD is with me.” • Measure plans by submission: does this decision honor His sovereignty or my convenience? • Celebrate small victories as evidence of ongoing divine partnership. Supporting Scriptures • Exodus 33:14 – “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” • Joshua 1:5-9 – God’s promise to be “with you wherever you go” undergirds courage. • Psalm 127:1 – “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” • John 15:5 – “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” • 2 Corinthians 3:5 – “Our competence comes from God.” Encouragement for Today The God who stood with David and Solomon stands with every believer. By anchoring goals, schedules, and ambitions in His faithful presence, we exchange self-reliance for God-reliance—and discover that true success is simply walking forward with Him. |
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