There are a few times in the life of King David when he had a plan to do something one way, but then God changed his plans (e.g., taking a census, carrying the ark on a cart, or covering up an adulterous relationship). Another one of these significant moments is when David wanted to build a permanent structure for the ark of the covenant (1 Chronicles 17:1). Interestingly, the prophet Nathan advised David, “Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you” (1 Chronicles 17:2). Nathan was not wrong to offer this advice, because it had been proven time and time again that God was indeed with David and that this was a noble cause. However, God interrupted these intentions with a different plan (1 Chronicles 17:3–4).
God explained that he had not asked to have a house because he had “gone from tent to tent and from dwelling to dwelling” with his people (1 Chronicles 17:5). In other words, where God’s people were, that was where he was as well. When the time would come, God would provide a place for Israel to remain permanent, but it was not going to be according to David’s plans (1 Chronicles 17:5–14). Furthermore, God reversed David’s plans and explained how he would establish David’s house alternatively. Instead of David building a house for God, God was building a house for David (figuratively speaking).
How did David respond to his plans being rejected and the sound advice he had received being overturned? David thanked God. In fact, he found the courage to pray to God because of this change (1 Chronicles 17:25). At a time when David could have pushed for a good deed that was established on sound advice and could have humbly attempted to rejected God’s counteroffer, he chose to listen to God’s intentions over his own (1 Chronicles 17:16–27).
David exemplifies one of the most difficult attitudes to cultivate: people who are driven to get things done for good reasons sometimes fail to yield when needed. David’s passion and desire often had to be put in check. At times, he was going in the wrong direction and had to be steered back to center. On other occasions, he had to listen to the right authority or even sound wisdom that ran contrary to his ideas. One of the reasons why people gravitate to the life of David is because he is relatable. Although we do not have God directly offering counterplans in our lives, we do have his word that can stop us in our tracks. Scripture has the ability to cause us to slow down and reconsider our plans, intentions, and motives if we will let it shape our attitudes, thoughts, and desires. When we listen to God’s word, we will find ourselves much like David—finding the courage to pray for God’s will to be done, not ours.
Billy Camp
Dalraida church of Christ is a congregation of Christians that meet in the mid-town area of Montgomery, Alabama. Our goal and purpose is to seek and follow God and His Word in everything that we do in life.