God Said "No" to David
God denied David's request to build His house, revealing His different divine plan.
The reign of David was the end of an era in Judah. David was 30 years of age when he became king and he reigned 40 years. His shoes were so big that none who came after him could ever fill them. As great as Solomon was, he never attained the stature of his father David, spiritually speaking. In Acts 13:36, Paul tells us that David served his own generation by the will of God. David's dream was to build a house for the Lord. In 1 Samuel 7:1-3, David experienced a peaceful interlude, a calm, quiet period in his life, which for him was really unique. He was a courageous warrior, usually involved in battle with one or another of the surrounding nations. At this point, while sitting quietly, he looked around at his own beautiful palace and compared it to the tent that housed the ark of God. The comparison sorrowed David. He wanted to build a beautiful, permanent home for the holy vessels of the Tabernacle. His motive was pure and admirable because he wanted it for God's glory, not his own. He expressed this desire to Nathan the prophet, who encouraged him. But God had a different plan. The Lord spoke to Nathan and told him to tell David that it was not His will for David to build His house, but He promised to make David's dream come true through Solomon, his son. God refused David's request, reminding him that he was a soldier, a man of war, but not a builder. How often we have wished for talents other than those God gave us. Many times, God's "NO" is just a redirection of His plan for us according to His will. When we pray each day for divine guidance and direction, we need feel no guilt when our plans do not work out. We can have confidence that God's way is best and we can leave the results in His hand. When God says "NO," He has a better way, and our best reaction is submissive cooperation. God has put each of us here for a purpose, however humble. Not many are called to fulfill such a great purpose as David, or to build temples. God's intended purpose for you may not be as great as your dreams, or it may be greater than you ever imagined. How sad that so many never become aware of that purpose which is the only way to true happiness and satisfaction.