Patience

S: ⁷ “My father David had it in his heart to build a temple for the Name of the Lord, the God of Israel. ⁸ But the Lord said to my father David, ‘Because it was in your heart to build a temple for my Name, you did well to have this in your heart. ⁹ Nevertheless, you are not the one to build the temple, but your son, who is your own flesh and blood—he is the one who will build the temple for my Name.’


2 Chronicles 6:7-9

  
O: David was a man after God's heart. He lived his life to glorify God in every way and knew what it meant to love God as humanly as possible. In return God blessed David and loved on him, and blessed the kingdom of Israel through the line of David. God also gave David the privileged of gathering all the materials needed to build a final resting place for the ark of the covenant. Unfortunately, David wasn't the one to complete the task as his hands were soaked in blood, as he was a conquering king. Verse 9 shows what it means to have patience like King David. David wanted so much to be able to build this finally resting place for the essence of God, but when God told him he wouldn't he didn't disobey and do it anyways. It must have been heart wrenching to know that God's temple would not be finished during David's time. It also shows how much self control David had when it came to accepting God's will. He didn't choose to take it upon himself to defy God, but obeyed. 


A: There are so many things I can learn from David's characteristic. First is controlling my impulsiveness. Self discipline in making decisions is hard for me, as I grew up in a house where things needed to get done right then and there. Waiting longer prolonged not only the outcome, but also increased the anger that my parents would have when it came to completing tasks. I'm all about ripping the bandaid off asap, rather than letting it heal. This also goes willing with God's convictions for me. At times, I do get ahead of what God wants me to do. He answers in ways of Yes, No, and Later... In those cases I don't feel like I really submit to his plans and just flat out do things according to my desires or what I think is right. In my heart, I know I want to glorify God, but in respect I need to learn how to let go when God tells me I'm not the one to "complete His temple". Maybe it'll come at a later time when I've matured in faith. In short, I need to learn to be patient and obedient to what God tells me.



P: Jesus forgive me for my lack of patience. I often times do without thinking of the consequences and end up in sin or causing sin. Help me to be more mature in my decisions and not justify my actions because of my right intentions. Just like David, I pray you'll allow me to be obedient and humble in all circumstance. Ultimately the temple will be built, and I need to trust that You'll do it regardless of who it maybe. Allow me to be less and you more. 


In Jesus Name
Amen.