Press the arrow to listen to Nichole Nordeman sing “Brave” while you read today’s devotion

Scripture
“Now, my son, the LORD be with you, and may you have success and build the house of the LORD your God, as he said you would. May the LORD give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God. Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. 1 Chronicles 22:11-13

Observation
What King David did had never been done before. Never in the history of Israel had a father passed the reigns of leadership over to his son. The closest was Moses when he passed the baton to Joshua. But David was about to do something enduring. The throne he passed to Solomon would stay in the family for eternity.

What would a father/king pray at a time like that? David did not pray that Solomon could lead others; instead he asked that the new king could lead himself. The hardest kingdom for a king to rule is his own heart. But if a leader can lead himself then he is able lead others.

David, therefore, prayed for “discretion and understanding” of God’s word for his son. Simply put, David asked for insight for his and the wisdom how to use it. Solomon needed perception into God’s thoughts to think and to act well. He would need to understand what the word of God said and how it should be applied. Then he could lead others.

Application
There are so many complications in leading others, but the complexity becomes simple with David’s prayer for the leader to first be led. That is my desire today as I lead others.

Prayer
Father, today I ask for the ability to lead others because I am being led. Grant to me discretion and understanding. Amen.