“Be strong and of good courage, and do it” were the words of king David to his son Solomon. These same words can be applied to our daily decisions and feelings if lead by “a perfect heart and willing mind.”
A few years ago, speaking to a friend, I said, “Life would be so simple if people openly shared their thoughts and feelings with one another.” However, would such action lead to disaster, relief or both?
Analyzing the situation, I realized that what prevents us from sharing our ideas and feelings freely is shame. We are afraid of human rejection and our own failure. Shame and/or embarrassment has trapped us to live scrupulous lives. This shame can engrave in our minds so deeply that we may not even live but remain in a slavery stage of guarding our image. Nonetheless, humans were made resilient and called to live fully. Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Nothing can separate us from the love of God except ourselves.
Failure is in one’s favor, it makes us stronger and courageous to get the job done. I precisely recall the times when a “no” as an answer helped me move on to the next step. Happily a “no” leads to greater opportunities. Being in a state of perplexity, wondering what could happen can dwarf the possibilities of life. God calls us to be strong and courageous because He is our father and king. No human being can tell us otherwise, we are meant to live, experience, move on, but most importantly claim the promise of life as children of our one and only heavenly Father.
And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.
Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;
Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.
Placing God before men allows us to fully live. Be of good courage and do what God calls you to do, for it is Him that gave His life that you and I may live forever.
Verses taken from John 10:10, Revelation 3, and 1 Kings 3
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