Then David the king went in and sat before the Lord and said, “Whom am I, O Lord God, and what is my house that You have brought me this far?
I Chronicles 17:16 NASB
Sunflowers bowed their sun-kissed bonnets on the hill, and I hid behind their simple beauty and brilliance. I was in awe of God’s glorious stroke of color and the rows of stately splendor. Seeds must die. We ready the soil and plant; and, God waters and grows. He opens and lifts. Clenched fists hide the inner beauty until His time, then fingers are pried wide, and petals peek. Flowers bloom. And I’m happy to hang in the back.
Although, God has something different in mind for His people.
David was a man after God’s own heart. He was kind and merciful, prudent and unpretentious in his speech and conduct, and he was hardworking. He had a humble start. He shepherded sheep, and he delivered lunch and messages from his father to his older brothers before he joined the battle to slay a giant. David then learned lessons as an armor bearer for King Saul that prepared him to rule Israel, a stubborn and rebellious nation. He became a counselor to those in debt, despair, and distress.
Likewise, David was a mighty warrior who commanded and defended his men when they were wrongly abused, shaved, stripped, and shamed. David’s calling wasn’t easy; but, he was brave. The Lord was his ever-present help and defense.
David also landed in the New Testament faith hall of fame despite the fact that his past and family line was checkered. His affair with Bathsheba, and her husband’s murder, marred his testimony. He trusted Abigail’s discernment of her tyrant husband; but, when his daughter Tamar was raped, he remained silent. Whether David was grief-stricken or not, he didn’t defend her. The mighty warrior failed to protect his own blood.
Yet, God saw the battle within David, his lust and rage, remorse and repentance, and his desire to serve God with his whole heart, honor and humility. Trust and obedience were linked. An imperfect man was noteworthy. David committed to serve God and to build Him a home. However, there were consequences for his sin. And so, David would design and set the groundwork, while his son Solomon built the temple.
Our families are no different. Our dense fields and shadow stories leave a dust and sweat trail. We struggle with intimacy, the uncomfortable gathering, and busy ourselves. We avoid conflict. But the lunch pail gifts purpose. Check on your brother. Sister. God calls us to lead, to turn and face the Son, and to walk side-by-side in ordinary service. We must die to self, our earthly ways, passions and wayward tendencies; and, instead, plant seeds of grace, mercy, and loving kindness. And we must begin with our families.
Whom am I that God has brought me thus far? But by the grace of God, I stand on this knoll. Each flower is unique. Stunning. Created with purpose. Likewise, God has gifted us for eternity. We grow and stretch through our first babysitting, dish washing, waitress, landscape labor, and personal-care positions. God uses our quick errands and our long-winded walks, our perfect plans and the ones we trash. We circle and retrace steps, and our jobs and titles may change. Nevertheless, God wastes nothing.
Whatever we do, we do it unto the Lord. So, we must set our mind and heart on the Son and work side-by-side.
Be blessed,
Lily Mae
