Most of us probably did this when we younger before reality seemed to set in and life got hard. But let's step back from today's tough reality and take a few minutes to dream. Imagine this situation: You've just been reminded of your many great accomplishments and victories in life, all the obstacles you've overcome and the battles you've won. You're the CEO of your business or the king of your empire, well respected in all that you do. You have a home where you and your family can live comfortably. And you have rest or peace, physically from enemies, as well as mentally and emotionally. Then to top it all off, you've been assured that your children will have a good life and your legacy will be one of great respect. Nice day, huh.
Well that's precisely the situation that David found himself in in 2 Samuel 7. He was the undisputed king of Israel, he had begun building a great palace, planned to build a temple, and was constructing other grand buildings. He had received all he could have wished for earthly and even his desires for his children's future and his legacy had been promised by God. David had reached the top of his mountain. He was "da man."
Honestly, it would be understandable if David had been overly confident and even cocky given all that he had overcome and accomplished in his life. But he wasn't. David was well aware of a fact that each one of us should be aware of as well - all that he had done and all he achieved was because God had been with him. David was humble because he knew that all God had given and all God had promised was more than he deserved. He didn't respond to the Lord with an attitude of entitlement and expectation. Rather he prayed, "Who am I, Lord God, and what is my house that you have brought me this far?" (2 Samuel 7:18)
While we will never receive the prophecy that David did of the Savior of the world descending from our family tree, we are invited to be members of that family, of Christ's eternal kingdom by the grace and love of God.
Be humble - Understand and appreciate that all you are, all that you have, and all you've done is not by your work or talent alone, but by the grace of God.
Be hungry - David did not become king and reach his mountaintop by doing nothing. He sought God's will, followed God's will, and had to work and overcome many hardships to make it.
Rest - God promised rest to David for a reason. We are all called to work and to work hard. But there comes a point and a time where we need to rest and recover and allow God to prepare the way for us. Don't be afraid to take a break, but don't let rest become your routine.
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