Monthly Archives March 2017

In the previous post we saw King David step away from everyone and get alone with God. He sat before the Lord in his private chamber and talked to His God. The substance of this conversation started earlier in the chapter with God speaking to David. This is how it is supposed to be–the Lord has spoken to us through His Word, either by preaching or the written Word and we respond. In fact, everyone responds in one direction or the other. But I digress.

In 2 Samuel 7:8-16 the Lord spoke through the prophet Nathan a very interesting message. The Lord walked David across the history of his life to remind him WHO was orchestrating his days. It was not fate. It was not chance. It was not other people. It was not economic or political influences of the day. And it wasn’t good or bad luck. The Lord says, “I took you…”  “I have …” “I will appoint …”I commanded …”  “I will …” You get the picture? All credit belongs to the Lord. God is reminding David WHO brought those events to pass in his life.

As the Lord reminded David how his life went through many seasons and many changes and that HE, God, was there orchestrating the events that brought him to the place he was at that time in his life, so it applies to us.  We need to stop and contemplate what the Lord God has done for us. I want to encourage you to stop and look over your shoulder and see what God has done in your life, in your heart, to His glory. His fingerprints are everywhere. His work is more evident than you might think.

Some readers of this post may say that their life has been one set back after another. You may be discouraged about the pain you’ve experienced; the heartbreak that has left wounds; or perhaps when you think of your past all you see is disappointment and failure. Is that all you see? If you’re reading this blog, you are probably a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. That means that the Spirit of God adopted you into the family of God. That means that you have been forgiven of all trespasses, guilt, and shame. That means that you are hidden in God in Christ. That means that God had chosen you beforehand to lavish His love, mercy, and grace on you. And He has done exactly that–lavished His love, mercy, and grace upon you.

Reflect on how the Gospel of Jesus Christ changed your heart, your mind, your affections, your directions, and so much more of your life. Recognize that it has been the Lord’s hand keeping you, holding you up, and sustaining you throughout the years. He was the One giving strength when you wanted to give up. He was there moving people in your life. He was the One that brought you through the turmoil and heartache. It may have seemed like other influences, but the Lord is the keeper and sustainer and the good God of our lives. He has been the One who has shined in your heart the light of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. He did this; He did this, YES, HE DID THIS! AMEN!

From where has the Lord God taken me, and where does He have me now?  With Him all the social, occupational, economic, and materialistic standards of this world do not hold a candle to where He has placed me–SECURELY IN CHRIST. He has rescued me and you and now we belong to Him, eternally.  Amen!

In my morning prayer time, I’ve been reading and meditating on 2 Samuel 7.  The second half of this chapter we find King David praying in response to what happens in the first half of the chapter. I want to put the spotlight on verse 18, and specifically the first part of the verse.

“Then King David went in and sat before the Lord; and he said …”

These words arrested my attention and my soul. I want them to do the same for you.

A busy king with much on his plate went into the proverbial closet, shut the door, and “sat before the Lord, and he said…”  This phrase speaks of David’s relationship with His God and the weight that he places on private, personal prayer with God. This phrase gives us a beautiful description of David’s actions, outwardly and inwardly.

He left the room where everyone was attending to him, entered his private chambers, and physically sat down. He may have sat down alone in a room, but he was anything but alone. He sat before the Lord. It is obvious that we can see more than the physical posture of David. Because we have learned the character and heart of David from the scriptures we can see more than his physical posture in that private room. We can see the posture of David’s heart. He “sat”- speaks of his heart being comfortable, welcomed, and loved. Then the words, “before the Lord” speaksof his faith and reverence. David knew that when he stepped into his private chambers he was going to go before his Lord and pray.  David didn’t hesitate or doubt that his Lord would be before him. David didn’t wonder if the Lord would be present to hear his prayers. David knew; it was a natural act, with no hesitation of faith or awareness of his Lord.

The lesson is obvious, isn’t it?

Do you see this wonderful picture of a man who knows his God and knows his acceptance before his God? This is a picture of David’s physical posture, heart posture, and mental posture in fellowship with the Lord God of the universe. Confidence, acceptance, loved, and reverence; all this in those few words of 2 Samuel 7:18.  This reminds me of his prayer recorded in Psalm 64:1. David begins with, “Oh God, You are my God.” David’s heart was reverent and he knew that he was accepted and loved.

Let this picture be branded into your imagination so that it calls you to step away to a private chamber and sit before the Lord. Let the Scripture paint a picture for you to live by.

2 Psalm 34:15 —  The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry.

Matthew 6:6 – But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.