Read 2 Samuel 7:18-29.

David couldn’t stand to think that while he was living in a palace, the ark of God was outside in a tent—he wanted to build the Lord a proper temple. However, the Lord had other plans. He sent the prophet Nathan with a message for David: “This is what the Lord says: You are not the one to build me a house to dwell in” (1 Chronicles 17:4).

Now, David’s response tells us everything we need to know about his character. David’s seven-fold prayer in the midst of disappointment is a model prayer for all of us when we don’t receive the answer from the Lord we had hoped for.

First, David acknowledged God’s grace in his life: “Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?” (v. 18). David recognized that everything he had acquired and accomplished had come from the hand of the Lord.

Second, David apprehended the greatness of God: “There is no one like you, and there is no God but you” (v. 22). Even after hearing no from the Lord, David was overwhelmed by the holiness of God.

Third, David affirmed the Lord’s goodness: “And who is like your people Israel—the one nation on earth that God went out to redeem as a people for himself . . . ?” (v. 23). Today, we can look back to Calvary’s cross and offer our Savior the loudest praise.

Fourth, David remembered the covenant: “You have established your people Israel as your very own forever, and you, Lord, have become their God” (v. 24). If you have surrendered to Christ, your name is irrevocably written in the Book of Life with His blood.

Fifth, David took hold of the promises of God: “And now, Lord God, keep forever the promise you have made concerning your servant and his house” (v. 25). God had promised David a descendant who would sit on his throne forever (see v. 13). That descendant, of course, was Jesus.

Sixth, David announced the glory of God: “Then people will say, ‘The Lord Almighty is God over Israel!’” (v. 26). David longed to see God’s promise to him fulfilled, not for his glory but for God’s!

Finally, David entreated his faithful God: “Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight” (v. 29). God had just denied David’s request to build Him a temple but still David chased after the Lord with vigor.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the example of David as he faced an answer to prayer other than what he desired. Help me to respond to those situations as he did, remembering that Your ways are higher than mine. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Lord Almighty, God of Israel, you have revealed this to your servant, saying ‘I will build a house for you.’ So your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you” (2 Samuel 7:27).

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