Dear Praying Friends,
Thank you for setting aside this day to pray for our prodigals and revival.
Early in David’s reign as king in Israel he was concerned about the Ark of the Covenant, the place where God’s presence resided on earth. He wanted it back in Jerusalem and he wanted to make a fitting home for it. These desires reflected his values and his love for the glory of his God. Once he got the Ark back to Jerusalem, he told the prophet Nathan about his plans to build a temple, but God said, “No, your son Solomon will build it.” You can read the story in 2 Samuel 7. This was a huge disappointment to David, but I love his response: “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?” (2 Samuel 7:18).
The very first thing he did when his hopes were crushed was to draw near to God. This is such a good example for all of us. Whatever the trial or difficulty God calls us to pass through, He wants it to bring us closer to Him. He wants us to sit in His presence. He wants us to feel His closeness. It is exactly what James spoke about, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
The humble attitude David exhibited was remarkable. He didn’t get bitter; he didn’t pout at not getting his own way. Instead, he acknowledged God’s goodness to him. He was grateful that God had chosen him, cared for him, and allowed him to serve Him. His heart was filled with thankfulness to God. Whatever good, whatever blessing, whatever mercies God has brought into our lives are not because we deserve them but because of God’s kindness in grace. We can praise Him for His love and goodness to us because He is always faithful. And He is worthy.
David went on to speak of God’s promises, His greatness, His redemptive work, and His power in settling His people in the land. His great desire for God was that His name would be magnified forever (2 Samuel 7:26). The apostle Paul shared this same desire. After seeing the risen Lord, his life was changed and he wrote, “For to me to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21). He wanted his desires, his motives, and his actions to magnify Christ. I ask myself the question, “Is my life magnifying Christ?”
When we align our values with God's values, we learn importance of relationship. We realize that drawing near to Him and doing His will is the transcending priority. Then, regardless of what He calls us to do, or not do, His presence will meet the needs of our hearts so that we can praise His glorious name.
Your servants,
Bryan and Rachel
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