Sometimes I wonder what God really wants me to do. I have tons of ideas, but how do they really work out? I think the key is to realize that while we may have plans, God is the one who orders our steps. What does that look like? How does God order our steps? Are you humble enough to allow God to do that in your life? Are you willing to play your part in God’s larger plan?
David’s Plans (vv.1-5)
There is no doubt that David endured hardships because of the vow he swore to the Lord. But what was the vow? We have to go back to 2 Samuel 7:2 to understand. In this passage, we have a very special insight into David’s heart. David finally had rest in his own house and was not troubled by his enemies and he began to think…
David thought about all he had. He had a house built with “cedars” and other strong and majestic materials. But David was troubled because his house seemed to be better than the house where the presence of the Lord dwelt. This house was a tent that followed Israel throughout the desert and to the land where they dwelt.
The ark of the covenant (the place where God’s presence dwelt) was secure inside the tent behind curtains and David stayed in a fortified house. This bothered David. Would it bother you?
Imagine being the King of Israel and having all the nice things but only giving God a tent. David determined in his heart that God deserved the best, not just a tent. Not just a curtain.
The plans for building a permanent place for God’s presence was in the heart of God and given to the heart of David through the prophet Nathan.
Interestingly enough, the psalmist wrote in v.3 that he would not enter his house or sleep until he finds a permanent resting place for the Lord. This is a focused intention to honor God.
Solomon’s Obedience (vv.6-10)
These verses are so beautiful. At first glance, they don’t seem to make much sense, but as you dig deeper you see they are verses about the amazing worship in a place created for the Ark of the Covenant, which is where the presence of God resided in the Old Testament. Solomon, David’s son, completed the building of the temple in Jerusalem and people heard about it from all over the area.
Remember, these Psalms of Ascent are written as songs that travelers would sing on their way to Jerusalem to worship the Lord. This specific song described going to the dwelling place of the Ark of the Covenant. Take a quick peek at vv.7-8. “Let us go to His dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool! Arise, O Lord, and go to Your resting place, You and the ark of Your might.” “Footstool” in these verses refers to the Ark of the Covenant.
“Let your saints shout for joy” (v.9)! Those making the journey to Jerusalem experienced a shouting joy! They were ecstatic about the temple in Jerusalem and the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant (the presence of God).
Can you feel the excitement as the travelers made their way towards Jerusalem to worship the Lord?
God’s Steps (vv.11-17)
God sets things clear in these verses. He provided the vision for David and the permanent resting place for the Ark of the Covenant. God spoke of putting David’s descendants on the throne forever. But v.13 points back to vv.2-5.
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes His steps” (Proverbs 16:9). This is it! This is one of the keys to understanding this passage. David planned in his heart to find a permanent place for the Ark of the Covenant and the Lord is the one who chose Jerusalem (Zion).
While David planned this in his heart, God made sure the destination was exactly where He wanted it to be.
Deuteronomy 12:5 tells us that God desired to have a permanent place. And Psalm 132:14 satisfies God’s desire.
The final thing I want us to see is found in v.17. The saints will shout with joy! Once again we see this repeated phrase. Can you imagine the journey from your home town to Jerusalem singing the worship songs with those on the caravan with you? This was one of those songs. They remembered David’s plans, God’s steps, and the completion of a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant.
Some Questions…
- We all have plans for our families and our personal and professional lives. How long do you seriously pray about God’s plans for your life? How long are you willing to wait for the answer?
- Oftentimes God gives us a plan and we never see the end of it. God has chosen someone else to complete it just as he did with David and Solomon. Are you willing to play a part in God’s plans or do you have to be in control of all things?
- Do you think pride played a part in David’s decision to allow Solomon to build the temple in Jerusalem or did he exhibit great humility. What are some ways you can daily develop humility?