DAILY READING
REFLECTION
by Elaine Pierce
Have you ever wanted to do something for God in response for how he has blessed you? I certainly have, and I'm guessing you have, too. In today's passage, King David tells his prophet Nathan that it just isn't right that God is housed in a tent, while he, the earthly king, has a splendid home of cedar. Nathan encourages David to move ahead with this plan, but he forgets one important thing: he doesn't ask God if this is what he wants David to do.
That same evening, God tells Nathan in no uncertain terms that this is NOT what he wants David to do. David and Nathan may have good intentions, but their focus is wrong. And more than that, David is not the person God has chosen for the job.
Are David's priorities out of line with God's? It seems so. It's interesting to note the situation David finds himself in:
"After the king was settled in his palace and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him...." (2 Samuel 7:1)
David had no battles to fight, and his palace had been built. He was looking around for his next project. God reminds David that every success he has had has come from the Lord:
"I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have cut off all your enemies from before you." (v. 9)
He reassures David of his covenant with David and his people:
"Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever." (v. 16)
The Angel of the Lord echoes these words when he tells Mary she will be the mother of Jesus:
"He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." (Luke 1:32-33)
David's intentions - to honor God - were good. But God's plan is always best, and let's remember to seek his face with humble hearts, and to ask him how we can best honor him. Far too often I ask God to bless what I've already decided to do. Join me in looking to God daily and seeking his will and his plan.
PRAYER
Lord, far too often I want you to bless my plans. Help me each day to pray for wisdom and guidance that can only come from you. Amen.
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