2 Chronicles 6

We are so easily overwhelmed. Where can we find peace in a frantic world? How can we experience rest in our souls? Solomon knew that only God could meet Israel's deepest needs. When the time came to dedicate the temple in Jerusalem he led the nation in turning toward God.

The king spoke to His Lord in the presence of the assembly. He thanked God for His faithfulness to His promises to David, Solomon's father. The son of David had built a house for God. By the time that the Chronicler recorded the king's prayers, the king had been dead for centuries and the temple that he built had been destroyed by the Babylonians. Yet God would be true to His Word. This has been the hope of the faithful ever since man began to call upon the Name of the Lord. God will keep His promises.

Most of the king's words before God that day were a plea for help for those who would turn toward that temple and call out to God in the day of trouble. Solomon's confidence was that God would hear when sinners asked Him for forgiveness. The Lord would help when the enemies of Israel had defeated God's people. He would forgive them and bring them back into the land. If they were destitute and hungry, God would provide. Even foreigners would be heard by the God of Israel when they turned toward this holy place.

We do not look to the temple in Jerusalem for help today. We look above to the Lord Jesus who has saved us. We trust that God cares about our troubles. He calls us to turn to Him in faith, acknowledge Him as first in our lives, and obey Him in all that He commands. Like Solomon, we are weak. We cannot build a house that could contain all of what God is. Yet now Christ has come as our King and our Temple. He is the House of God for His children.

The sons of Israel returning to Babylon may have wondered whether there would ever again be a righteous son of David to serve as king over God's people. We need not have that same concern. Jesus lives. He reigns over us. We can cry out to God in heaven in our greatest distress. We can call upon His Name. He will hear. He will help.