This year, I entered into a new age bracket—the forties. Unlike the unsettling twenties where many of life’s major decisions are often made (such as choosing a career or deciding who to marry) and the tumultuous thirties (where one may be establishing a career or working towards financial stability), for some the forties mean a time of greater peace. This has been true for me: I find my life settling into a new, calm state. I’m not sure how long this feeling will last, but for now at least, I’m enjoying peace and contentment.
In 1 Kings 6, the Israelites were also enjoying some peace and contentment. It was “480 years after the people of Israel [had been] rescued from their slavery in the land of Egypt” (1 Kings 6:1). During this period, the nation had gone from the unsettling years of wandering in the desert to establishing their nation in the Promised Land. Now, under Solomon’s rule, the people of Judah and Israel “were very contented, with plenty to eat and drink” and “all of Judah and Israel lived in peace and safety” (1 Kings 4:20,25).
During this time, Solomon “began to construct the Temple of the Lord” (1 Kings 6:1). Of this verse, one Bible teacher commented: “We ought to see the time of peace and prosperity as an opportunity to do great things for the Lord!”
That’s a good reminder for me. Instead of allowing my current bliss to lull me into complacency, I should seize this moment of peace to serve God and to use the resources He’s blessed me with for His kingdom.
Jesus tells us: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously” (Matthew 6:33). These words apply to all seasons of life—whether we have little or plenty. And should God bless us with more, may we enjoy His blessings as well as consider how we can use them for His glory.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Kings 1:5-27
More:
Read Deuteronomy 8:11-18 for some things to remember if you’re currently experiencing peace and contentment.
Next:
Consider how you’re using your resources (time, money, talents). What changes could you make to better “seek the Kingdom of God above all else”?
Gary Shultz on April 11, 2017 at 4:48 am
Hi Poh: Congratulations on your continued journey, and with it peace. There are many things I do not care for that come with age; however, having time to invest in God’s presence is not one of them. It’s the old paradox one wanes one gains. I also think in life there is a continual “tweaking” of our life to better conform to that which God has described. The anxiousness of life you described is no longer to a progression it’s a little more concerning about the regression; however, if we have invested well, the picture of our destination becomes clearer and brighter. I don’t think I’m in any condition to give up on life yet, but it is sweeter. I understand why I have met so many wonderful older folks, they have found peace and strength in their God, and have leaned their circumstances on Him. Any time I meet a winsome older person, it brings delight to me and shows God’s goodness and glory. Thanks Poh, more chapters to come.
Gary Shultz on April 11, 2017 at 4:54 am
Thank you tech team and Tom. Everything worked flawlessly this morning. Good work!
Tom Felten on April 11, 2017 at 8:18 am
So glad, Gary! We appreciate the patience you and the whole ODJ community exhibited as we tackled some server issues.
minkjh on April 11, 2017 at 6:13 pm
Great reminder, Poh Fang, that we find true peace and contentment when we incline our hearts to Jesus and model our lives in like manner. What a stark contrast to the smug arrogance displayed by the rich fool in Luke 12. To put it another way- No Christ, No Peace / Know Christ, Know Peace.
godlove on April 12, 2017 at 5:11 am
Nice pun minkjh, I like it, thanks for sharing.
sabyna on April 14, 2017 at 11:06 am
I loved the reminder in this devotional that we should use our resources towards God’s Kingdom