Doing Things God’s Way

            Few would argue that King David was a great man of God.  Sure he had his missteps and faults, but he remains the standard of a “man after God’s own heart.”  He always did whatever he could to bring glory to God.  He followed God’s directions to the letter.  His successes were credited to YHWH.  And when confronted with wrong, he willingly humbled himself and repented acknowledging that God’s way was always the best way.

            Yet, with all of his greatness, he still wasn’t entitled to have everything his way.  He had to wait a long time before reigning as Israel’s king.  He had to fight many battles before God granted him rest from his enemies.  He also had to put up with some hot-tempered individuals that were very difficult to keep under control.  And his family life included horrible episodes including rape, murder, insurrection and treachery.

            There was even a time when God told him “No”.  It’s recorded in 2 Samuel 7 & 1 Chronicles 17.  David was feeling a bit uneasy about living in such a fine, luxurious palace while the Ark of the Covenant (representing God’s presence) was in a tent.  So he asked Nathan the prophet what he thought about building a more appropriate structure in which Israel could honor YHWH.  Nathan, at first thought, said “Go for it” because it was a great idea; even God commended David for desiring to do this.  But that was David’s plan, wasn’t it?  It really wasn’t God’s plan.  God doesn’t need a building to live in, does He?  Besides, He had other things for David to accomplish and a building project just wasn’t one of them.

            How did David react to God refusing his well-intentioned request?  He thanked God for a better answer.  You see, God was impressed that David came up with this idea.  So He offered David a promise – the greatest possible promise.  The Messiah would be his descendant!  And David’s response in 2 Sam. 7:18-29 was an admission that it’s better to do things God’s way.

            Our attitude and outlook would improve drastically if we imitated this same characteristic today.  Instead of being upset or totally discouraged because things don’t go the way we envisioned, let’s be thankful that God most likely has a better way of accomplishing what we’re supposed to be and do.  Instead of getting frustrated and arguing with others who refuse to get on board with our agenda, let’s busy ourselves doing what God has gifted us for.  In other words, let’s start trying to do God’s things His way so we can enjoy our life with Him.

            Trust God to have your best interests at heart.  Allow Him to do things His way so that you get the best answers to prayer.  And mature your faith in His love so that you can see that His ways are really the best ways – just like the great King David did.

Doug