A Heart Desire
Hello Bride of Christ,
Things seldom go according to plan. Why then do we respond with disappointment or anger when plans fail? The answer lies within the condition of our heart.
“I had it in my heart to…” King David’s opening statement to the leaders of his kingdom. He proceeds to communicate to them why he would not be able to fulfill his heart’s desire to build the Lord a temple (1 Chronicles 28: 2). David simply without resentment says, “But God said to me you shall not..” (1 Chronicles 28:3). What allowed David to accept the Lord’s decision? Did not David say it was his heart desire? David’s plan seemed righteous and noble.
Throughout the Psalms and the book of Kings and Chronicles scripture denotes David’s primary heart desire. God describes David as the man after His heart. David did not concern himself with the plans of building a temple for God rather he wanted to know God’s choice and desire. When God told David no, David heard yes.
David states, “However, the Lord God chose me above all the house of my father to be king over Israel forever, for He has chosen Judah to be the ruler.” (1 Chronicles 28:4) David continues, “And of all my sons (for the Lord has given me many sons) He has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel. Now He (God) said to me, ‘ It is your son Solomon who shall build My house and My courts; for I have chosen him to be My son, and I will be His Father” (1 Chronicles 28:5-6) David’s heart desire to align with God’s heart allowed him to hear God say, “Yes, David let us build a temple together.”
Bride of Christ, let us learn from King David’s example. Let us ask ourselves, “Am I concerned with pleasing God or executing my great idea?” David reveals his own heart through the advice he provides Solomon, “As for you my son, Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all the hearts and understands all the intents of the thoughts.” (1 Chronicles 28:9) Do our plans display a loyal heart and willing mind to serve God? Although King David’s plans did not go as he intended God did find a loyal heart and willing mind within David for the Lord made David to understand and write down all the work plans of the temple (1 Chronicles 28:19). The Lord searches our hearts and thoughts and when He finds a loyal heart and wiling mind, He uses it! The desires of your heart not going according to plan? Seek the Lord, be strong, and of good courage; do it, do not fear or be dismayed for the Lord God-my God- will be with you. (1 Chronicles 28:20) Stay loyal and willing to serve Him irrespective of how the plan unfolds.
