2 SAMUEL 7:2–3 “That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains. And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee.”

KEYWORD: Heaven always responds to a heart that is yielded, obedient, and sincere before God.

King David was another man who thought excellently toward God. Never before his time had anyone conceived the idea that came into his heart; to build a house for the Lord. Up to that point, the Ark of God dwelt in a tent, yet David, moved by reverence and love for God, desired to build a magnificent house worthy of His name. After David shared this thought with Nathan the prophet, the Word of the Lord came with this response: 2 Samuel 7:4–7 “And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying, Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in? Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle. In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel… saying, Why build ye not me an house of cedar?”

Previously, it was God who instructed Moses concerning the building of the tabernacle. Yet here we see David conceiving the thought of building God a glorious and magnificent house unlike anything that had existed on the earth. God was pleased with David’s heart and honored his intention, even though David himself would not ultimately build the temple. From that moment, God established a covenant with David, declaring that he would never lack a son to sit upon his throne. Ultimately, Jesus Christ, in His earthly lineage, came from the house of David.

This moment in Scripture also laid the foundation for what we see today in the progression of places of worship, from tents, to synagogues, and later to the beautiful structures where believers gather to honor God. It all began with the heart of one man who desired to give God something worthy of His greatness.

Now consider this question: What can you conceive for God that He will approve? Let us also look at the example of Noah, a man whose actions brought relief to the earth after the judgment of the flood (Genesis 8:20–22). Through Noah’s offering, a new covenantal assurance was established concerning the order of the earth. This once again reveals that God needs just one man in a family, a nation, or a generation who is willing to stand with Him in obedience. God is always seeking a man who will partner with Him to bring about His purposes on the earth. When your thoughts toward God are aligned with His will, and your actions toward Him are born out of understanding, love, and trust, you position yourself for divine response. Heaven always responds to a heart that is yielded, obedient, and sincere before God. Hallelujah!

PRAYER:
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You because I make myself available for Your purpose. Use me to bring Your change and influence to my family, my nation, my church, and my environment. Let my life be a vessel through which Your will is established on the earth. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
PSALM 106:23 “Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.”

EZEKIEL 22:30 “And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.”