The Power of Peace
1 Chronicles 22
And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the Lord must be exceeding magnificent, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death.
1 Chronicles 22:5 KJV
When reading this chapter I was impressed with David. He wanted to build the temple for the Lord, but God told him no. Now I don’t know about you but I do not enjoy hearing the word no from anyone. My first instinct is to argue why I should be told yes. How I know what I’m doing and I know what is best for whatever the situation is.
David was a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). He devoted his life to fulfilling God’s purposes on earth. God knew that David wanted to build the temple for God and would not let him do it. Instead God instructed for David’s son Solomon to build the temple.
So not only was David told no, he was told who God wanted instead, ouch. Now again I can see myself being hurt, wanting to push for my own way. Not understanding, arguing “Haven’t I earned this?? Haven’t I done what you asked of me??”
But that is not what David did. Instead he prepared everything Solomon would need to be able to complete the temple. And then he reached out to others and told them how to help Solomon as well. Wow. Could you do that? Could you prepare the way for someone else to do the thing that is a desire of your heart. And not only to do it, but prepare for them to fully succeed.
I believe David had such a close relationship with God that he wanted to temple built, not for himself to receive recognition, but for the people to have a place to come and worship. David knew the significance of the temple and he was at peace with the idea that he could not build it.
This is a picture of a man who through stress and storm found a way to have a quiet and calm assurance of his purpose.
I want that peace, I need that peace. To walk in a way to know that no matter what the answer is. God has a plan and I have a purpose in it. I want to look at the people around me and find a way for them to abundantly succeed where I cannot. Where I should not.
God wasn’t punishing David. God wasn’t mad at David. David had prepared the way.
God knew the temple needed to be built in a time of peace and rest. By a man of peace and rest. David’s wars were not wrong, ungodly or unrighteous. God wanted His house built from a context of peace, rest and victory. He wanted it built after and from the victory, not in the midst of the struggle.
Jesus, thank you for your word. Thank you for showing me the power of your peace and fully relying on you. Help me to seek you in all things and to recognize my purpose. To fully embrace, encourage and prepare the way for those around me to succeed in the calling you have for them. In Jesus name, Amen.
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