Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles 16:37-43.
“So he (David) left Asaph and his relatives there before the ark of the covenant of the LORD to minister before the ark continually, as every day’s work required; and Obed-edom with his 68 relatives; Obed-edom, also the son of Jeduthun, and Hosah as gatekeepers. He left Zadok the priest and his relatives the priests before the tabernacle of the LORD in the high place which was at Gibeon, to offer burnt offerings to the LORD on the altar of burnt offering continually morning and evening, even according to all that is written in the law of the LORD, which He commanded Israel. With them were Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest who were chosen, who were designated by name, to give thanks to the LORD, because His lovingkindness is everlasting. And with them were Heman and Jeduthun with trumpets and cymbals for those who should sound aloud, and with instruments for the songs of God, and the sons of Jeduthun for the gate.
Then all the people departed each to his house, and David returned to bless his household.” 1 Chronicles 16:37-43.
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“Seek the LORD and His strength;
Seek His face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11.
In the Psalm of Thanksgiving that immediately preceded today’s Scripture, which was so strong and beautiful, there was this call to “Seek His face continually.” The reasons for this call include “For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised” and “For His lovingkindness is everlasting.” And, in today’s Scripture, we see that David arranged for this call to be practiced continually.
There are times when it is right and good to publicly preach, teach, and give thanks and praise and pray to the LORD. Many in Israel were called together to hear the Psalm of Thanksgiving. But, in today’s Scripture, David also wanted to arrange times of offerings that would occur “continually morning and evening” and other types of ministry that would also occur continually when few or not so many would observe them.
The lesson for today’s Scripture is to consider that there are also times for us when nobody or few will hear our thanks and praise and prayers to the LORD. But, the LORD is pleased to hear them and will immediately act upon them even if we are not immediately aware of His actions.
“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
“After He (Jesus) had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.” Matthew 14:23.
“When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:5-6.
“It is vain for you to rise up early,
To retire late,
To eat the bread of painful labors;
For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.” Psalm 127:2.
Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to privately prepare and pray just before His betrayal, suffering, and crucifixion.
“Then Jesus *came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and *said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. Then He *said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.”
And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” …
He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.” Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more.” Matthew 26:36-39 and 42-44.
In conclusion, consider that when we put on the armor of God, we often do it privately in our Scripture meditations and prayers.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. …
With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,” Ephesians 6:10-13 and 18.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 