This is one of those texts we should read and reread. It’s good for us to see David’s heart overflowing. This is how David responded to the message Nathan brought in our last reading. Think for a moment about how you would respond. The LORD really gave David something to think about.
David prayed, “Who am I, O Sovereign LORD?” I see humility and almost disbelief in his words. David had to be thinking “why me, I’m nobody special.” After all, wasn’t David was just a shepherd boy with musical talent? He had to realize all his victories had been because that’s how God wanted it to play out. David’s prowess as a mighty warrior was a gift from God.
Have you ever prayed with such passion? Have you found yourself crying out, “Why me, God?” Perhaps you’ve experienced the nudge of the Spirit and felt totally inadequate for the job. I know I experience that on a regular basis. I am still in awe that God would use me to write a devotional blog every day and publish a devotional book series. I am reading portions of the Bible I don’t remember, yet every day God gives me a message to reflect on.
When God tells us to move, we need to be ready to move. I can almost hear his voice telling me, “You’re going to write for me.” I listened. I write. Together, God and I want to open the Scriptures to you and help you connect with God on a deeper level.
As you read these words, try to think of a time when you felt like you couldn’t accomplish something you felt God was calling you to do. God worked through you, didn’t he? David was aware of his own shortcomings and weaknesses. He was sure God knew, too. That didn’t seem to matter. God had chosen him for greatness.
We might try to talk ourselves out of being God’s servant when we think about our own issues and doubts. The evil one wants to get in our heads and stop us from spreading the light of God’s word in this world. Remember, in our weakness, God can shine through.
I love Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, “Each time he [Jesus] said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” No time for excuses! Jesus is already working through us!
Reread David’s prayer again and again for inspiration in your own prayer life. God loves to be in communication with us. Here are some of my favorite lines:
“How great you are, O Sovereign Lord!”That’s not a question, but a bold statement. Call out God’s greatness regularly. (Don’t we all like to be praised?)
“O Lord God, I am your servant; do as you have promised concerning me and my family.” Don’t we always want what’s best for our loved ones? God is faithful, and we can rely on his promises.
“Your words are truth, and you have promised these good things to your servant.” It’s so important to come before God with the heart of a servant. God rewarded David because he could see the pureness of his heart and how earnestly he sought after God. We know that God’s word is true and reliable. How are you seeking after God?
Let’s pray …
Lord, I sometimes feel inadequate and unsure of my own abilities. Then I look to your greatness. I am in awe of your creation and how it all fits together. Thank you for the privilege of being your servant. I look forward to each new day, each new conversation with you. Speak to my heart so that I can draw closer to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
