2 Samuel Chapter 7: Verses 1-2 (NIV)
After the king was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.”
2 Samuel Chapter 7: Verses 6-7 (NIV)
‘I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt to this day. I have been moving from place to place with a tent as my dwelling. Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”’
As King over Israel, David was now living in a well-built, grand palace, but he felt bad that the Ark of God was still housed in a tent, as it had been since the time of Moses. He felt it deserved better and wanted to do something about it. God reassured him that this was not something that David needed to do. If it had been required God would have commanded it, but God did say that David’s son would build a Temple for God in his time.
Sometimes as Christians we feel we should be doing more for God. But sometimes we make ourselves so busy doing things for Him that we don’t spend time with Him. This passage reminded me to only prioritise the things God wants me to be doing. He will give me the strength and determination to do what He asks.
I need to leave other things to other people and remember that I don’t have to be involved in everything. I need to listen to what God wants and do what He asks of me.
Dear Lord,
Help me not to be so busy on Your behalf that I’m not listening to You. May I follow the leading of Your Holy Spirit, and only concern myself with what You ask of me. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.