David was a man, a husband, a father, a king (thus a warrior), and a man after God’s heart. That which defined him came with certain responsibilities and duties, all claiming his attention. Throughout his life, the most consistent of who he was as a person was a man who loved God with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength. The relationship between David and God had made it possible for David to balance the others.
David had always made a way to have time with the Lord. While in exile from Saul the high priest of the Lord (who had the ephod breastplate) was with him (1 Sam 22:10,20; 23:6; 30:7). When David moved to Jerusalem, he had the Ark of the Lord brought there (1 Chron. 16).
However, David had a problem with maintaining his relationship with his Lord. The tabernacle of the Lord, that which was to house the Ark, was on the high place at Gibeon. (1 Chron. 21:29). The tabernacle was a tent. The Lord had instructed Moses on how it was to be built and maintained. The tabernacle was the place where God’s people and especially their leaders were to inquire of the Lord and offer sacrifices.
The solution was to build a new temple made of stone, much like the one that had been at Shiloh (Jos. 18:1; Judges 18:31; 1 Sam. 3:21; 4:4; 1 Kings 2:27). David said, “The house of the LORD God is to be here, and also the altar of burnt offering for Israel” (1).
David was told by the Lord that he would not be the one to build the temple; his son would. However, David did make preparations to build the temple. David believed that the LORD God being the center of life was the most important relationship a person and nation were to have. He did all in his power to ensure it.
The business of life is not an excuse to cut back on my personal and public time with the Lord. Rather, it is an incentive to become creative in how I maintain my relationship with the Lord.
Jesus’ life was often filled with nonstop healing and teaching. So he often woke up early in the morning and spent personal time with his Father (Matt. 14:23). I can follow David and Jesus’ example.
