Tips on connecting with God

In 1 Kings 8, Solomon has just finished building the temple and has the Ark of the Covenant moved into the inner sanctuary. I wondered if there was any relevance of this ancient Old Testament text, for us today, considering that our body is the temple of God (1 Cor 6:19).

We read how the Ark contains the tablets holding the law handed down to Moses. If we consider this symbolically, can we presume that God is in us, with His word safely in our hearts and minds?

In summary, we find that 1 Kings 8 provides insights including; setting aside time to focus on God; sharing our aspirations, hopes, and struggles; and hearing from God who provides guidance, relief, and rest. Let's explore what Solomon says that might be relevant to us.

1. Set aside time to focus on God.

We learn that all people are welcome to come to the temple, and those who are fully committed, are singled out to receive the inheritance and be near God. Setting aside time must be intentional. Solomon kneels and lifts his hands to God facing the temple. Solomon also makes many sacrifices, and we too must sacrifice our time to focus on God.

2. Starting with praise, share your desires and struggles with God.

Solomon opens by naming God above all others. The focus is on God and not himself. He speaks of his dad, David, and of their purpose and aspirations, and thanks God for the things they achieved and the promises fulfilled. We too, should reflect on what we believe God has called us to do and discuss this with the Lord. God wants us to be thoughtful about our lives, where we are, and where we want to be. Solomon shares that we should bring all our issues and challenges, our pleas, battles, and situations where we feel trapped or captive, to God. God wants us to bring any challenge, hurdle, or hurt to the Lord for His help.

3. God hears and provides guidance, relief, and rest.

In the text we read how God fills the temple with smoke/cloud and so we (His temple) are filled and He hears us. Making time for God means we have to seek Him and listen in the quiet. Solomon shares how the Lord teaches us the way to go. When we have done wrong, he forgives us. Where we have been hurt, he frees us. He provides for our needs and upholds our cause as we turn our hearts towards Him.

Thanks for those tips, King Solomon.