I Kings 8:18
“But the LORD said to my father David, ‘Since it was in your heart to build a house for My Name, you have done well to have this in your heart.'”
II Samuel 7:2 says, ‘he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.”‘ God had delivered David from his enemies, established him on his throne, given him children, peace and prosperity. He has difficulty being in a palace, while the Lord is in a tent. At first Nathan tells him to build the temple. But God tells Nathan, no. David has too much blood on his hands. His son will build it.
Today’s verse shows us that God was pleased that David wanted to build the house. I have to admit that I feel a bit guilty about this. To build the temple was an enormous task. It would take years to complete. I don’t do big things.
However, I would have felt guilty if I was in a palace and God was in a tent. I may have made the same offer, however a measure of guilt may have been mixed in there. I would have been relieved if God said, no.
Would God have been pleased with my offer to build the temple? I think so. Why would I say that if I knew my motives weren’t completely pure? I realize that God knows me completely and still loves me. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Two verses later Paul says we were enemies. Yet, He loved me.
Psalm 103:14 provides more insight into human nature, “For He knows our frame; He is mindful that we are dust.” Some may have had pure motives, but not so in difficult areas. That’s who we are, imperfect people. God knows and is ok with it.
God does work to improve us. He does put a desire in us. It first comes with a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26). David models it for us in Psalm 139:23, 24, “Search me, God, and know my heart; Put me to the test and know my anxious thought And see if there is any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.” I used to think that God wanted me to repair any issue I saw in myself. That’s a never ending process. Instead I focus on what He brings up.
How do we know what those are? There are several ways. We’ll want to work on it. God has given us a new heart which desires His ways. If it’s of Him, we will usually want to. We may get a thought to work on it. Those aren’t all from Him. We should pray about those. “Lord, if You want me to work on this, show that to me and give me the assistance to do so.” We may be told by others. I would apply the same advice just stated. We might feel a nudge in our consciences. Apply the same advice. Circumstances would open doors for us. Apply the same advice. All open doors aren’t from God, nor are they all good for us. Pray about it. Do we want to go there? If not, it’s probably not of God. Ask for confirmation and guidance.
Some times obedience can be difficult. This is when we follow Jesus’ advice in Matthew 16:24, ‘Then Jesus said His to disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”‘ Generally it’s what we want to do. God isn’t into head games. He said “His burden is easy and His yoke is light”. It’s a joy to be in Christ.
Today’s verse is about God being pleased about what was in David’s heart. I shared my reticence, but also shared that God loves us isn’t harsh with us. The goal of the verse isn’t to make us feel guilty. We know He accepts us and is working in and through us.
Lord, thank You for Your grace. Thank You that You are working on us and You don’t want us to feel guilty. Help us to seek You and be open to You. Thank You for wrapping us in Your love.