King David

2 Samuel 5:1-7:29

David is anointed King over Israel, and we see that in each instance he asks the Lord what he should do-before doing it-and he listens to the Lord. That would work for us today. Ask. Listen. Act. One other thing David does that we can do; he thanks the Lord-for all that happens. In fact, Saul's daughter Michal is beside herself to see David's wholehearted enthusiasm for the Lord. Poor Michal, who never lets go of her grievances and it says she never has a child all her days. I think that bitterness can prevent happiness and keep us away from others. This is something to think about; it is a short interlude in the overall story of David but it is there and I would think there is a reason for us to consider.

When David feels he has more blessing than he deserves; David has a house but the ark of God resides in a tent, David presumes to build the Lord a house-interesting that the Lord says wait; I'd ask for one if I wanted one. What does David do in response to Nathan's words? David is thankful from the bottom of his heart, He thanks the Lord for graciously letting him know of the blessings to come. This can be our response. We can thank the Lord for the blessings, instead of feeling uncomfortable for them, or that we earned them or merited them somehow. They are a gift. It is right that we are thankful.

There is one other thing for us here as we read the story of this relationship between God and His people, and that is that the Lord says he will establish the house of David and David's offspring shall be heir and King over Israel. We read the list of David's children. We need to keep this saying in mind as we read further.

Today: give thanks.

See you tomorrow.
-maggie