Read: Psalm
138
Conclusion
As we see the progression of Israel one thing is
clear. The kings have forgotten what God taught their forefathers. More and
more there is national disregard for God’s laws. There remain a faithful
remnant who desire to honour God and see His people do the same. However, the
kings are, for the most part, overtaken by sin. They chose to satisfy their
selfish desires and pursue foreign idols. We can only wonder if things would have
been different if Israel’s leadership obeyed God’s decree to read His Law every
day (Deuteronomy 17:18-20).
We must learn from their negative example. We must
choose to honour God and walk in His ways. There is great value in reviewing
the things you have learned. People are imperfect and quick to forget what we
read, desiring to move on to newer, seemingly better things. Psalm 119:11 says,
“I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” How can
we hide God’s Word in our hearts if we forget what it says? Spend time today
going back over your journal entries from your time in 1 Kings. Ask God to
solidify His truth in your heart as you review.
Prayer and
Journaling
1. Reflect on the history you read about in 1 Kings
(you can go back through your Bible to refresh your memory!). What verses or
stories stood out to you? What are some key lessons you learned? What did you
learn about God’s character? What did you learn about yourself? Record these
answers in your journal.
2. Go back to your journal entry from the first day
of this devotional. What did God say He was going to do in your life as a
result of studying 1 Kings? Have you seen this come to fruition? If so, spend
time praising God for the great and wonderful work He has done! If you have yet
to see the answer, commit yourself to trusting God. His words are faithful and
true. If God promises something, He will see it through to the end! Thank God
in advance for the work He had begun and will complete in your life as a result
of your time fellowshipping with Him through this book of the Bible.
3. It is vital that we remain connected with God.
Finishing one season (completing this devotional, for example) does not mean we
can take a period of rest from our pursuit of God. Ask God to show you how you
can continue to be faithful in your devotional life. How can you grow to love
and fear Him more through your devotions? What spiritual disciplines does He
want you to practice?
4. Pray for yourself today. Ask God to place a seal
on your heart, securing what you have gained from your time with Him in 1
Kings. Ask Him to help you see the world through the lens of Biblical truth.
Pray that He will continue to grow the seeds He has planted in your heart
through this devotional. Pray that your love for God’s presence and His Word
would increase until the day you meet Him face to face.
