“The king said to Nathan the prophet, ‘See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent…’
“That same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, ‘Go, tell my servant David, “Would you build me a house to dwell in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling… And I have been with you wherever you went… And I will make for you a great name… [I] will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever… And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.”’ In accordance with all these words, and… all this vision, Nathan spoke to David.
“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… 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 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 7:2,4-6,9,11-13,16-19a,22,28-29
David had great aspirations for the Lord, and the Lord had higher, more far-reaching ones for David. Young in royal duties and eager in faith, David wanted to construct a house for worship of the Lord. But God’s plans imparted a different vision of far greater and eternal importance. David imagined a physical house when the Lord promised eternal progeny- first a son who would build the temple, then a line that would carry the Christ into the world. (Matthew 1:6-16)
When we love the Lord, we can make great plans for Him borne of enthusiasm to express gratitude or to exalt His name. Knowing our heart intent, He is honored by these desires. But often our impulses, however good, are just that- impulses birthed in our minds without inquiring of Him. God’s higher ways are always best, superseding our ambitions as divine over the flesh, everlasting over temporary. (1 Kings 8:18-19; Isaiah 55:8-9; Jeremiah 29:11-13; Matthew 17:1-5)
Where has the Lord aborted or changed direction on what we thought were lofty ideas? Is our drive greater to accomplish what we want, or to discern and fulfill what He wants? How practiced are we in seeking God’s will before we prepare schedules and set plans in motion? How can we better align ourselves with His highest good?
Lord, enfold my desire to build into Your eternal, marvelous plans, for Your glory.
As the rain and snow 