Wholehearted Excerpts from Chronicles. Part 3.

Read: 2 Chronicles 1:1-13

• What do you notice?
• What stands out to you?
• What observations or questions does this passage raise?

Discuss:

There is a slightly chaotic feel to the account of Solomon’s sacrifices – the ark is in a tent in Jerusalem, the tabernacle and bronze altar are in Gibeon at a high place (the ark has been separated from the tabernacle for 80+ years) and there is a sense of picking and choosing what parts of your spirituality fit in which place (see 1 Chron. 21:29-30).

• What can happen (helpfully or unhelpfully) if our spiritual practices are tied to a specific place or group of people?
• What are some better ways to deal with a problem in relationship (as David had with God) rather than avoidance?
• What does it say about our understanding of God if we think that we can avoid Him or hide things from Him?

At this point, Solomon seems to be very aware he is out of his depth and cries out for help.

• How hard is it to admit that we feel out of our depth? How do we know if this is real or Imposter Syndrome?
• What promises from God can help us out in these moments?
• How do we maintain a dependence on God when that “out-of-my-depth” feeling passes and we start to get more comfortable in our role, responsibilities or relationships?

Solomon’s request and God’s answer remind me of Matthew 6:31-33 – seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness and everything else will be added to us.

• Where do you see the generosity of God in your life at the moment?
• Where do you think God might be asking you to seek Him out more?

Pray: for God to give us wisdom in how to include Him in every part of our lives, and that we might walk into new things that are scary, knowing that God is generous to help us with what we need.