PRAISE

Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 15-19

"O Lord, there is no one like you-there is no other God. We have never even heard of another god like you!" 1 Chronicles 17:20 NLT

Allow me to set the stage leading up to these kind words.

David had just settled into his palace and had proposed to the prophet Nathan his plans to build a grand 'home' for the Lord's ark of the covenant. He had been granted a quick 'go-ahead' from Nathan. and all was well. Until...

That same night, Scripture tells us, God spoke to Nathan and led him to tell David, 'Thank you, but no thank you. The idea is great. The plan is wonderful. The need is there. You, are not the man to do it. Not you. Not right now.'

David's response?

David's response wasn't to list all his prior accomplishments. Wartime victories. Political success stories.

David didn't begin a rebuttal by touting his many obedient and faithful acts.

David's didn't 'quote Scripture' and tell God he was a man after His own heart.

David said, O Lord, there is no one like You!

David praised God.

When the answer given wasn't what David wanted to hear, David praised.

When the time frame didn't match David's plans, David praised.

When what David wanted didn't match up with what God okayed, David praised.

When David was asked to sit and watch another live out his own dream to fruition, David praised.

While David was asked to wait, David praised.

Oh, that we would learn to respond in that way!