Godly Desires

After David was settled in his palace, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of the covenant of the LORD is under a tent.” Nathan replied to David, “Whatever you have in mind, do it, for God is with you.”   1 Chron 17:1-2 (NIV)

I was reading 1 Chronicles 17 this morning and what strikes me was King David's intention to build God a house to replace the tabernacle that kept the ark of the covenant.  David saw that God had delivered the enemies into his hands and provided for him a palace to live in.  In gratitude, he probably wanted to do something for God.  Hence the expression of his desire to Nathan the prophet, whose natural disposition is to encourage.  Without waiting on the Lord, Nathan gave David an encouraging word.  The lesson for any prophet here is not to presume on God's behalf.  Nathan was correct when he said God was with David but wrong to ask David to do what was in his heart. 

Whatever it is, this godly desire in David brought about a divine response through Nathan the prophet.  God told David that he would not be the one to build a house for Him but his son after him (v 11-12).  We know that David prepared the materials and manpower for his son Solomon to build God's temple.  God further added that David's throne would be established forever.  This of course is in reference to the kingdom that God has established through His beloved Son, Jesus Christ.  We know that Christ came through the lineage of David and that the church embodies the kingdom of God.  Because of the words spoken by Nathan, David found courage to pray to God in response to His good word (v 16-27).

Do you have a godly desire?  David desires God to live in a grand temple.  In an age whereby man is always thinking of fulfilling his own desires and asking God to fulfill them, it would be a good change if we start thinking of God - what He desires.  The Sciptures is clear on this that God desires none to perish but that all should come to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ (2 Pet 3:9).  God's desire is to inhabit the hearts of men and women, no longer in buildings made by man.  If we want to fulfill God's desire, then one of our goals in life should be to bring as many people as possible into God's kingdom.  Who knows, when you place God at the centre of your thoughts, you may get a wonderful response from Him, just like David? 

Remember that God is more ready to pour out His blessings on you than you are ready to bless Him. And like what Paul the apostle would say, "Much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine."  Eph 3:20 (NCV)