Who He Is, Who Am I?

^“Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, ‘Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord God. You have spoken also of your servant’s house for a great while to come,.. O Lord God! And what more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Lord God! Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have brought about all this greatness, to make your servant know it. Therefore you are great, O Lord God. For there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. And who is like your people Israel, the one nation on earth whom God went to redeem to be his people, making himself a name and doing for them great and awesome things by driving out before your people, whom you redeemed for yourself from Egypt, a nation and its gods? And you established for yourself your people Israel to be your people forever. And you, O Lord, became their God. And now, O Lord God, confirm forever the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house, and do as you have spoken. And your name will be magnified forever, saying, “The Lord of hosts is God over Israel,” and the house of your servant David will be established before you. For you, O Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, have made this revelation to your servant, saying, “I will build you a house.” Therefore your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you. And now, O Lord God, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant. Now therefore may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you, O Lord God, have spoken, and with your blessing shall the house of your servant be blessed forever.’” 2 Samuel 7:18-29

Through Nathan, God answered King David’s desire to build Him a house by reminding him His promises of a great name, a place, rest, a ‘house’ of offspring, a kingdom, a forever throne, His steadfast love. Could David want any more? Overwhelmed at his covenant LORD’s extravagant “all this greatness,” David went before Him in gratitude, with humble acknowledgement of His bounty and promises. Before this benevolent Almighty, who was he? (2 Samuel 7:1-16)

In days of watch me, listen to me, follow me, it is a healthy pursuit to look at our Lord. There is nothing like beholding His purity, providence, kindness, and rich mercies to put us in our places. God alone is our supreme Benefactor; apart from Him we have and are and produce nothing. (John 15:5)

When are we taking time to dwell on the Lord Himself? To speak specific thanksgiving over the many ways He has enriched our lives, directed our thinking, made our way, provided for our needs? Contemplating His greatness will reduce us to a sober and rightful position before Him, a place of glad receiving, and confidence in His word to us. (Romans 12:3)

Lord, keep me sitting before You in wonder, thanksgiving, and praise. May what I am be identified by who You are, that Your great name is known and exalted however You direct my life.