Daily Reading: 1 Kings 5
Scripture Focus: David my father could not build a house for the name of the Lord his God because of the warfare with which his enemies surrounded him. (1 Kings 5.3)
Devotional Thought: I love my grandchildren! They are so fun and expressive. One of the youngest ones is learning a hard lesson: he can't always get what he wants. Believe me when I say, this is not a pleasant lesson for him to learn. He has unique and loud ways to show he doesn't approve of that concept! It's not pleasant for me, either, because, I want to give him what he wants! Mommy is watching me pretty closely, though!
King David found out that he couldn't always get what he wanted, either. When he told God he wanted to build a house of worship, God told him, "No." God had other things for him to do. David had to strengthen national security and to bring peace, so that Solomon could build the house.
What are some reasons we shouldn't get what we want?
· We may not know it, but what we want may be bad for us. Would David had been more susceptible to pride and arrogance? Would he had focused on the wrong thing in regards to worship?
· What we want may belong to someone else. God had given Solomon the privilege of building a house of worship.
· Getting what we want could prevent us from getting what we need. Had David gotten what he wanted, resources and oversight may have been stretched too thin to turn away an enemy attack.
· The timing isn't right. The nation was not ready for a project such as David wanted to do. They needed the unity that would come with Solomon's reign.
The next time you don't get what you want, thank God!
Prayer: Thank you, Lord of Creation, that you see all things, and you know what I really need. When I don't get what I want, help me to trust you to give me what I need. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119.33-40
33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
and I will keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to selfish gain!
37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.
38 Confirm to your servant your promise,
that you may be feared.
39 Turn away the reproach that I dread,
for your rules are good.
40 Behold, I long for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life!
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