After God gave David victory over the warring nations around him the land was quiet for a time from the turmoil of war. David got to feeling rather bad that he was living in a cedar house and he wanted to build God a permanent dwelling.
Through the prophet Nathan, God brought this incredible message;
Why do you want to build Me a house? I haven't ever lived in a house! Ever since the children of Israel left Egypt I have only ever moved about in a tent! In all the places where I walked with the children of Israel have I ever asked anyone - even a leader - to build me a fancy house of cedar?
David, I took you from following sheep and now you are the king of Israel. Have I ever left you? No, I have been with you wherever you have gone, removing all enemies and obstacles and I have made you famous on the earth.
But far more than this - I will make a place for my people - permanently planting them - so that they can have a place of their own. Good land with elbow-room. No more nomadic lives shifting here and there. No more will you be homeless hobos abused by bullies bigger then you.
David, listen - I am going to make you a house! You don't need to stress about providing for your descendants either. Because when your days are completed and you go to rest, I will make a solid kingdom for your son, and it will be his life work to build a house for me. I will be his Father, and he will be My son, I will direct his steps and My mercy will not give up on him. Your kingdom will be established forever."
And King David went and sat down on the ground in the tent of the King of the Universe and said; "Who am I . . . O Lord God? And what is my house that You have brought me this far?" And he praised God and accepted the promise. Samuel 7.
My God is not haughty or distant. I do not need to impress Him.
My God enjoys the simple things of life.
My God likes to camp with me.
My God likes to sleep under the stars.
4 comments:
I have always loved to read about David, it seems like every story from his life is so very applicable to situations in my own. I can see just how much patience God had with him, and I can see just how much patience (and trust) I should have with God and His plans. From the time he was anointed until the time he was finally king was something like 13 or 14 years! I would probably be getting frustrated before the end of the first month :( And not only that, but he had Saul chasing him like a madman up and down every hill and dale! That seems so far from "Gods blessing" in our human perspective, but God knows what He is doing. I really have to keep reminding myself of that one.
I really like how you wrote this story out, more Please! :)
Amen, amen AMEN! I would say that some of the most spiritual moments I've had in my life have been in the cathedral of mountains and sky! And no chapel or church can compare to what God created outdoors for us to worship Him. I wish more people thought this way!
I like it! Thanks for those last lines, especially. :D They warm the heart and soothe the soul.
what a wonderful thought that God camps! :)
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