Quiet Time Bible Reference: 2 Samuel 7
David felt wrong about living in an amazing palace and yet the ark of the covenant of the Lord was under a mere tent. Because he loved God so much, he came up with an idea. He decided that he was going to build God a house He (his Spirit) could live in. A house can symbolize a place of rest, peace, love, and a place where you should be honored–all the things that make “home sweet home” something people aspire to have. David wanted that for God. It’s quite a sweet gesture. You can clearly see David’s softness of heart for his dearest Creator and Companion. It was a great idea–the prophet Nathan even gave him a thumbs up. But God had a different thought about it.
“I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name like the names of the greatest men on earth.” 2 Samuel 7:9
“God told Nathan to relay a message to David. “You are not the one to build me a house to dwell in.”” 2 Samuel 7:4
“I declare to you that the Lord will build a house for you…I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever.” 2 Samuel 7:10-11
“I will set him over my house and my kingdom forever; his throne will be established forever.” 2 Samuel 7:14
Although David’s heart was in the right place, God had a different and grander plan than him. God’s plan involved establishing a permanent peaceful place for his people. It involved making David’s name great. And it involved establishing David’s legacy but most importantly, the kingdom of God that would last forever–eternity. That’s a bigger vision than what David had in mind.
We can think much smaller than what God has in store which can limit what God can do if we don’t put our own ideas aside and get on board with God’s ideas–his plan.
We can tend to contemplate how things may not work out versus believing that if it’s God’s plan, he will do it, period. David could have pushed back and said…
“No God, I really want to do what I have in mind. I’ve seen others do it as well and do it in this particular way which really works. Great results–proven success!” -Human
But is that God’s plan, or your plan?
Most times, God doesn’t explain in detail his plan for us the way he did for David. But when you have the sense that God is saying “no” to your plan for whatever reason, consider that he has a better bigger vision for you.
Action item: Meditate on David’s prayer in 2 Samuel 7:16-27
In his prayer, the thing that stuck out to me was:
““Lord Almighty, God of Israel, you have revealed this to your servant, saying, ‘I will build a house for you.’ So your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you. Sovereign Lord, you are God! Your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, Sovereign Lord, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever.”” 2 Samuel 27:29
Well said and done.
Rise & Shine Bright.