How Great Our God Is

“Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And as if this were not enough in your sight, O Sovereign Lord, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant. Is this your usual way of dealing with man, O Sovereign Lord? . . . How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.”  2 Samuel 7: 18-19; 22

I think we all need to stop from time to time and think about the relationships in our lives. How easy it is to take our loved ones and friends for granted and believe that they will always be with us.

Do we say the things on our hearts, the things that need to be said, the things we wished we would have said if we had only known that we would never have the chance again? Do we make time for them and enjoy their presence with us? Do we laugh together, remember fond memories, and make new ones?

Life is so unpredictable and we need to take advantage of the times we have to show those we love and care about how much they mean to us, how much we appreciate who they are, and what they bring to our lives. What a blessing they are from our great God.

But even more, Our Creator and Giver of life above all deserves our words of love, gratitude, and praise. Could we find ourselves taking Him for granted, as well, and not giving Him the time, honor, and glory He so deserves? Do we tell Him enough of His greatness, the beauty of His creations, how much we appreciate the gift of life and of those loved ones He has placed in our lives, and for His faithfulness and goodness to us? Do we tell Him how grateful we are that we can trust in His Word and in His promises?

It’s humbling to think that we might forget Him from time to time and not express our love, gratitude, and joy for His loving presence in our lives. “Ah, our Sovereign Lord, how could we ever forget what you have done for us?”

These beautiful words are taken from David’s prayer in 2 Samuel. Perhaps it could be called more of a meditation, full of thanksgiving, and even of wonder at the greatness of God’s mercies to him. God has made David, a humble shepherd boy, the King, and has laid out His promises and plans for him through the prophet Nathan.

Notice David’s first words in response to God, “Who am I . . . that you have brought me this far?”

These could be my words or yours when we look at what God has done for us. Are we not so overwhelmed and humbled by His many blessings of life, of His grace, and of His love for us? Look how far He has brought us, what promises He has kept, what comfort, hope and peace He has given us.

David’s next question could be ours as well, when he asks, “Why do you care about man, let alone about me?” David acknowledges his own unworthiness compared with the highest form of dignity with which God is bestowing upon him and he gives Him praise. For not only has He raised him to kingly office, but promised him the continuance of his line for years to come.

As much as we can praise God for what He has done for us in the past, we have His promise to care for our futures, as well. We have His eternal promise of what lies ahead with Him and our loved ones. As we acknowledge the blessings of God in the past, present, and for the future, we can rejoice in His presence, but even more, may we show the world the joy they can experience in Him.

In this powerful prayer, David thanks God for His sovereignty over his and his family’s lives and over his nation. David realized God’s place in his life. As the Sovereign Ruler over his life, He freely and willingly submitted to His will and promised He would follow the path God has set for him. May we do the same and always speak to Him from the heart, as David did, giving Him all honor and praise.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, that you have redeemed us and taken us as your children. Thank you for not giving up on us when we fail to give you the honor, glory, and praise you so deserve. Thank you for being with us and our families through the experiences of life and keeping us in your sovereign care, but most of all, thank you for giving us the promise of eternal life with you. Amen.