FEBRUARY 5, 2025
Topic: “Building Intimacy in Prayer: David’s Model”
Text: I Chronicles 17:16–27
Memory Verse: I Chronicles 17:16 “Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: “Who am I, LORD God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?”
Many parents use the time-out method of discipline when their children misbehave. If a child has crossed the line in some way, he or she must go to a designated place for time-out. In some cases, the child must go to his or her room, and certain privileges are withheld. Some parents have the child sit in the corner of a room for some time, with no interaction with anyone. In either situation, the child is to think about what he or she has done and (perhaps) resolve to avoid any future time-outs.
In today’s text, King David took a time-out from an overwhelming situation to sit before the Lord and talk about things. David’s focus in this prayer is not repentance or a plea for help. Instead, he praises God for the many good things the Lord has provided for him. The prophet Nathan reported to David all the Lord’s words concerning who would build a Temple, (1 Chronicles 17:15). Even when God said he was not going to be the one, David honoured God and took time out to sit before the Lord in fellowship.
David in the prayer recognized his smallness and the greatness of God. As we step out today, we have learned from David that All of us would do well to incorporate time-outs into our daily routine as David did. We should also remember that the measure of our maturity is not our independence but our dependence on the Lord.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, like David, help us to take time out to reflect on your goodness and faithfulness in our lives. Help us to live on the throne, and take time to sit in your presence in humility and honour to you who has blessed us beyond measure.