What other scriptures emphasize the importance of God's presence in our endeavors? The Legacy of Presence: 1 Chronicles 22:11 in Context “Now, my son, may the LORD be with you, and may you succeed in building the house of the LORD your God, as He has said you would.” David’s charge to Solomon is more than parental advice; it anchors success to the tangible, active presence of God. The same unchanging principle threads through the rest of Scripture. Echoes from the Wilderness: Moses and Joshua • Exodus 33:14–15 — “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest… If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here.” • Joshua 1:5 — “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” • Joshua 1:9 — “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” God’s nearness is portrayed as the indispensable ingredient for forward movement, courage, and victory. Poetic Reminders: Psalms and Proverbs • Psalm 127:1 — “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” • Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” The worship songs and wisdom sayings of Israel keep rehearing the truth: human effort, disconnected from God, collapses. Prophetic Assurance: Haggai, Zechariah & Isaiah • Haggai 1:13 — “I am with you, declares the LORD.” • Zechariah 4:6 — “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.” • Isaiah 41:10 — “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Whether rebuilding a temple ruin or facing international threats, God’s prophets loop back to the same refrain—endeavor only with His presence. New Covenant Fulfillment: Jesus and the Apostles • John 15:5 — “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” • Matthew 28:20 — “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” • Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” • Colossians 3:23-24 — “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole heart… It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” The Incarnate Word and His Spirit-infused church continue the exact message delivered to Solomon: real productivity flows from a living union with God. Living It Out Today • Plan, dream, and labor, but insist on God’s companionship as the non-negotiable first step. • Measure success not merely by outcome but by the degree to which His presence is sought and obeyed. • Let every task—family, career, ministry—echo David’s blessing: “The LORD be with you, and may you succeed.” |
    |