A Time To Build

[David] said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.” Nathan replied to the king, “Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the LORD is with you.”

Over the last twenty years, HGTV—Home & Garden Television—has brought new fascination to home design. From shows about large-scale renovations to programming with do-it-yourself possibilities, we’ve become obsessed with constructing and feathering our nests. It’s hardly any surprise. We are made in God’s image to be fixers and builders and lovers of beauty.

After worshiping in a temporary sanctuary for generations, Israel needed a permanent place to worship God. King David knew the longing that came with always being on the move, and he craved a space where he could honor God with beautiful craftsmanship, fragrant offerings, and awe-inspiring worship. So as he aged, David consulted his good friend, the prophet Nathan, about building plans.

However, David’s timeline didn’t match what God had in mind. Nathan approved moving forward. However, when David approached the Lord to propose his plan, God stopped him in his tracks. “It’s not time yet,” God told David, much to his disappointment and dismay. He could gather the supplies, God said, but no building should begin. Instead, someday, David’s son Solomon would oversee that project.

David’s heart was in the right place, but his timing was wrong. The Master Builder had a different construction plan in mind. For now, God intended to build within David and Israel instead. God’s design was to form his people into a nation of peace and faithfulness whose legacy would last forever. Physical building projects could wait until later. There was other work to do.

In grief, so many rebuilding projects call out for our attention. Sometimes the list looks daunting, and we freeze, overwhelmed. Other times, though, the dizzying array of tasks can drive us to frenzied work. We chase after progress as confirmation that we’re making it through the valley of the shadow.

There is certainly a time to build after loss. God wired us for resilience and built us for resurrection. Hope is woven into our DNA. But if you’ve felt the stress and strain to rebuild since your person died, you can take heart alongside King David today. Even with the greatest plans, today may not be the day to start.

Instead of fretting, bring your building projects to God and ask him to guide you into what you should do next. Is it time to gather up the supplies you’ll need to rebuild—added sleep, nourishing meals, fortified friendships? Is it time to rest because God assures you that the work will be shared by others? Today, in the chaos that accompanies your loss, take a moment and hand your blueprints to God. He promises to make everything beautiful in his own time.

Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.

I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.

A Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the cornerstone on which I find security. Even while I grieve and life feels uncertain, thank you that I can rest firm in you. Forgive me for giving in to the temptation of constructing my life apart from you. Teach me to follow you closely and surrender my plans to you. Show me the goodness of your intentions for me, and help me to trust that you hold all things in your control. Amen.

An Activity for Today: Are you frustrated about life’s uncertainties? Do you wish you had a clearer timeline? You may have some anger you need to face as you acknowledge these disappointments. On the lines below, brainstorm three things you can do when you feel upset, frustrated, or angry. As you write your list, consider how these activities can help you identify your feelings honestly, engage them, and move through them with productive action. God understands that you’re living in the in-between right now. It’s okay to feel big feelings. You show that you trust him every time you face your emotions and offer them to him.

A Song to Encourage Your Heart: “Your Plans for Us” by Eleventh Hour Worship