Waiting on God (1 Kings 5-6)

But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or disaster.  I intend, therefore, to build a temple for the Name of the Lord my God, as the Lord told my father David, when he said, ‘Your son whom I will put on the throne in your place will build the temple for my Name.’ (1 Kings 5:4-5)

Sometimes in your relationship with God it feels like you are supposed to hurry up and wait.  Even when we want to take action, sometimes God’s action for us is to simply sit still and be patient.  Such was the case with David in his endeavor to build a temple for the Lord.

David had it in his heart to build a home for God, but that was not the Lord’s plan for him.  So David did what he could to gather the materials for his son Solomon, and during Solomon’s reign, the Temple was finally built.  The process took Solomon seven years, but it was a sight to see and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

What’s important to note is that David, when he heard from Nathan the prophet that the Lord wanted him to wait on the Temple, didn’t fight.  He could have pushed his plans through, but he didn’t.  Instead, he listened to the voice of God and obeyed.  We need to be willing to do the same.  When the Lord leads us to do something, we need to humbly do as He requests.  In the end, just like with the finished product of the Temple, God will be glorified.

Father, waiting on You to lead me is sometimes a frustrating endeavor.  I get impatient and want to move forward, but You slow me down and tell me to be patient.  Let my heart be like David’s heart – willing to submit to Your plans for me.  Give me patience in fulfilling the things You desire.