I Chronicles 22

“And has he not granted you rest on every side? ... Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God” (22:18-19). King David had wanted to build the Temple in Jerusalem, but because he had been involved in much violence, the Lord gave the task to Solomon. David understood that God had helped Israel win battles not to build an empire, but to live in “peace and quiet”, worshipping the Lord and obeying his ways as a light in the world (22:9).

“Do not be afraid or discouraged” (22:13). The Israelites needed courage for peacetime, just as they did for war; the same Lord who fights our battles empowers us to live our day-to-day lives for his glory.