“Okay. What have you learned from this?”
This phrase, spoken by my father, was a mainstay of my growing up. I heard it one summer afternoon when I was eight years old, following my sheepish confession that I’d accidentally shot my neighbor, Mr. Horner, with my BB gun. I heard it late one snowy Michigan night, when my car came to rest against a chain-link fence—after I’d impatiently tried (unsuccessfully) to maneuver it between a ditch and another parked car in my girlfriend’s driveway—resulting in a phone call to my dad, asking him to come help me dig my car out of a snowdrift. And I’ve uttered that same question to myself countless times since, even as I’ve grown older and the learning opportunities have evolved with time and age.
Always spoken in love, and almost always received with humility, it’s a phrase so simple, yet it resounds with the essence of the relationship between a dad and a son. I’m deeply grateful to fall into the increasingly receding percentage of men whose fathers are truly fatherly.
We might not expect to find such a rare, human moment between father and son within Scripture. While God’s Word is relatable and relevant across time, I still struggle sometimes to grasp the idea that these words were written to real people who existed in a real time and place. But that wasn’t the case for me when I read David’s words to his son, Solomon, in 1 Chronicles 28. His words could’ve just as easily been written to me in a text message from my dad on any given Monday morning:
“As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father,
and serve him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind,
for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intention of every thought.
If you seek him, he will be found by you” (v.9).
I can almost picture the memories and hard-won lessons flashing before David’s eyes as he distills his life into just two simple sentences, passing down parting wisdom to his son. After charging Solomon with the great responsibility of building the temple and outlining the requirements of the job, David’s parting words to his son, and some of his last we read in the Bible, include loving encouragement that ultimately points Solomon to a present, secure, steadfast God. He tells Solomon to “be strong and courageous, and do the work… for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He won’t leave you or abandon you until all the work for the service of the LORD’s house is finished” (v.20).
What a delight it is to be offered wisdom by those who’ve come before us, and in turn, to offer guidance to those who will come after us. But isn’t that what this entire book, the Bible, is about? It’s a lamp to lead our feet along the path of life (Psalm 119:105). It gives guidance from a loving Father through stories of His own and others’ that are full of grace and love, that shape us and call us to grow. May we honor the same Father of David and Solomon, feel loved by Him, and love like Him every day.
Ryan Myers is Chief Operating Officer of She Reads Truth, He Reads Truth, and Kids Read Truth. Ryan and his wife, Raechel, live with their two children in Nashville, Tennessee.
“Do the work “
Wow. Simple instruction for such a difficult time as this. ❤️
You are my shelter and shield, sustainer, and hope. When it feels like the world is closing in, you are there. I will not forget or wander from your Word. You go before me, you are with me, you are behind me. I have sought you and you are found. Thank you Lord.
Oh, I too had a wonderful, loving God-fearing earthly father. The past three years I’ve been single-parenting with God as my father encouraging me, guiding me, pointing me in the right I can do this! God has it ALL under control!
Godspeed, Lydia! God goes before you and He’s got your back! What an awesome God!
The Psalm passage spoke so strongly to me of the Psalmist’s struggles and response to those struggles. Struggles: constant danger, traps, severe affliction, double-minded, evil, wicked people. His response: knowing and following God’s word, God’s judgements, offerings of praise, obedience, deeper love for God’s instruction, hope in God’s word, and trembling awe. And, the Psalmist’s reason, vs. 116-117 his hope is in God’s promises and concern for His statutes. He wants his life and safety to shine forth that we can trust God.
I love the father/son exchange in 1 Chronicles. I love the details, because God gave them and gave David understanding, they mattered. He wanted his son, Solomon to get that. Where God directs, we need to obey…especially when He gives details!
And finally the verse in Proverbs feels like, “for such a time as this.” For all my teacher friends, everyone is making plans about how this new school year will start and happen. It is overwhelming. It can feel impossible. Except…it is not, because God has gone before us. We will do exactly as the Psalmist shared: know and follow God’s word and judgements, offer praise, obey, love God’s instruction, hope in His word, and go forth in trembling awe of Him, in Him. For He is faithful. He is dependable. He is our Father.
i sit here this morning. Last sunrise and cup of coffee in my old house, embarking on the next part of the journey God has planned for me
,reading and receiving the encouragement I need from the Word of the Living God —counsel to learn via reflection and courage to lean into whatever lies ahead. Your word, O God, is a lamp unto my feet.
May God light your path as you step forward trusting Him.
May God bless your new journey, Lydia! I love your faithfulness and courage.
Praying for you on your new journey, Lydia! And your words were so beautiful and encouraging. Thank you for blessing us with your reflections, sister!
Thank you ladies. This means so much to me.
Oh how I miss my earthly father (&mother), & so look forward to a joyous reunion in Heaven. I’m so thankful that no matter our age, we have a Heavenly Father to always light our path in this oftentimes dark world through His Word. Thank you Lord, & May I be your humble & obedient child always.
Such a sweet reminder that God’s word will illuminate my path as I try to surrender my plans to His and walk in His will, even though things currently look foggy and unclear. Clinging to Proverbs 19:21 and 1 Chronicles 28:20 today <3