Today we read David’s final words of advice to his successor, Solomon. In his youth “and the LORD loved [Solomon]” from his birth (2 Samuel 12:24). Today note David’s parting words, “Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the LORD, your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes his commandments … that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn” (1 Kings 2:2,3).

David’s words are ideal for all of us to take to heart. It does not mean strong in a physical sense, but strong in attitudes of mind and belief and service to God. Let us keep in mind what is written in Romans about Abraham. “No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised” (4:20,21).

David had originally set many good examples of living and acting with a strong faith, an attitude of mind that has the vision to see God is in control. Solomon would not have known his father at his spiritual best. The phrase “and the LORD loved him” surely reflects the relationship he developed with God, a foundation for all the proverbs he was to write. In recognising this let us give the highest priority to developing our own relationship with God. This relationship cannot be second-hand, we must pray for His oversight of our lives remembering that “whatever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:23).

We will read in Mark 4 of the seed that is scattered; it either produces more seed that germinates to produce a valuable plant, or it doesn’t. There is no third option. Thus, those who develop a genuine faith in God and His oversight in their lives will win through whenever life becomes difficult.

While there is opportunity we must be strong and live in the right spirit. Jesus was still looking for workers in His vineyard at “the eleventh hour”(Matthew 20:6). We are now living in the eleventh hour so let us live so that we may prosper wherever we turn in our life and our relationship with our Lord!