Do the Work

Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers

“David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous,
and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord
God, my God, is with you.” (I Chronicles 28: 20 NIV)

In 1 Chronicles, we read that King David wanted to build a house as a place of rest for the ark of the covenant. The plans were designed, and the materials were chosen, according to God’s direction. Because David was a warrior and had shed blood, God didn’t want him to be in charge of the project. Instead, God chose Solomon, David’s son, to build the temple.

David told his son to be “strong and courageous.” He assured Solomon that God wouldn’t fail him. God would be at his side until the temple was successfully completed. Solomon only needed to show up and do the work.

God could have blinked and created a grand temple without Solomon having to crawl out of bed in the morning. But, that would have taken away the opportunity for Solomon to learn, grow, reap the rewards of a job well done—and honor God in the process.

Psalm 128:2 says, “You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours” (NIV). Our heavenly Father desires that we enjoy the fruits of our labor—the operative word here is labor. We’re expected to work for them.

If we’re called to write for the glory of the kingdom—sharing God’s grace, mercy, and love—in whatever format or genre, we still need to study the craft, and write, write, write.

God won’t leave us. He’ll remain at our side, providing ideas, resources, energy, and encouragement.

We don’t need to be afraid.

We just need to do the work …