This morning I was reading 1 Chronicles 17. This particular chapter covers a time where David realizes the ark of the covenant is housed in tents and compares that to his grand home. He communicates that he wants to build the Lord a grand temple and is encouraged to do so. A few scriptures down we see the prophet, Nathan, receive a word from the Lord. The Lord explains that He has never said, “I desire a house” and goes on to explain that He will establish a kingdom and his throne forever (giving hints to Jesus).
As I read this, I thought about the year coming to a close in just a few days. Many people, me included, tend to ask the Lord for a “word”, theme, or Scripture for the next year. In the chapter mentioned, David’s motives and intentions were pure. In his mind, the Lord deserved and needed a house grander than what he (David) had. That doesn’t necessarily sound bad, right? But the Lord could see the bigger picture, God saw all the way to the coming of Jesus and beyond. He does the same for you and me.
As we seek the Lord for next year, don’t limit Him by what you can see ahead of you in this moment or what you’re hoping will happen next year. I’d encourage you to reflect and remember what He has done this year. What did He do, change, or what happened that, at the beginning of this year, you never dreamed would be the way it is? The same is possible next year. Once He gives you that word or theme, don’t box Him in with what you think or can see that word meaning. Little did I know at the beginning of 2023 when the Lord said my word for the year was, “Steward” and more specifically “Steward the mysteries of God” what all was in store.
I want to encourage you to seek the Lord. David sought the Lord and His intentions were from a good place, but he didn’t see the bigger picture that God saw. Neither do we. As you pray and seek the Lord, as you live out this next year, be open to what He is doing, be flexible when He says, “good idea but not what I had in mind.”
Read 1 Chronicles 17 today and ask the Lord what He has for you there. What does He want you to remember from this year? What is He speaking to you about the year to come? I’ve included a worksheet to help with these reflection questions.
