My Plans/God's Purpose

7 Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”’

8 “Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel. 9 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth. 10 And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning 11 and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders[a] over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies." (2 Samuel 7:7-11a)

God had brought David from tending sheep to leading God's people, and David wanted to show his appreciation by building a lavish temple where God could reside. God had a greater vision. David's advisor, the prophet Nathan - after initially blessing David's plan - had to return to David and deliver the surprising news of God's purpose: God didn't want David to build God's temple. Instead, God wanted to build David an eternal throne and fortify God's people with security and peace.

King David had good intentions. Though he was deeply flawed, he was also deeply receptive (and, when needed, repentant). David was humble enough to acknowledge his failures, yet bold enough to believe he could bless God. God honored David's heart with the gift of a purpose that would reach far beyond what David could hope for or imagine. However grand our plans, the position of our hearts is God's focus. God's purpose is always bigger than our plans, always blesses beyond ourselves, always brings God glory. We can be encouraged to hold our plans as loosely as our possessions, and make room for the purposes God is moving to fulfill in and through us.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart,

but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

(Proverbs 19:21)