Who am I, Lord God . . . that you have brought me to this point? Yet even this you see as too little. (2 Samuel 7:18-19)
Self-help programs have been popular for decades, and it’s no wonder. First, you identify an area of your life that you want to change or a good habit you want to foster. Then, you find a book outlining steps that are supposed to bring about the desired result. But often, the outcome is a change in outward behavior, not an inner shift. So the old ways return easily, and you look for yet another program or book to help you.
David had just received a word from the Lord through Nathan. Not only would God continue to bless David, but he had also promised that “your house and your kingdom are firm forever before me” (2 Samuel 7:16). David had seen God’s power and authority many times in his life before this. Yet in this moment, he knew that God wanted to show him more. He saw God’s complete generosity. And that revelation overwhelmed the mighty king.
David sat before the Lord in total awe. Almost speechless, he finally found his voice to praise and worship God. He no longer wanted his ways, he wanted God’s ways; he only wanted to lay his life before God and allow God to do the work that he had promised to do.
It may be hard to imagine, but asking God to reveal who he is really can change our lives—and far more powerfully than a self-help book ever could. He wants to plant his revelation deep in our hearts. He wants to show us newer and newer facets of his love, his justice, his mercy, and his compassion. Revelations like these can break through any barriers we may have set up between ourselves and him—or between ourselves and the people around us. They can fill us with joy and change our perspective on any circumstance.
We have a very generous God. No matter what he has already shown us, he still considers it “too little” (2 Samuel 7:19). Isn’t it wonderful to have a God like this?
“Father, come and open my heart to know you more. Because you are fathomless, there is no end to what you want to show me. Lord, let me see your face!”
Psalm 132:1-5, 11-14
Mark 4:21-25
[Originally posted on “The Word Among Us,” January 28, 2016 (paywall)]