START ANEW WITH GOD’S PROMISES
The passing of a year is a time of reflection and there is no better way to usher in the new year than reflect on the promises of God. And the more real God is to a person, the more definitive these promises are. As David begins his reign over Israel, and reflects on his unworthiness and his journey from being a shepherd boy to being king of Israel, God swamps him with his ‘I will’ promises, found in 2Samuel 7.
I will make your name great (v9): The Greeks, Romans and people from all civilizations have sought immortality. But most people live an ordinary life only to be forgotten soon after their death. The immortality one achieves directly correlates with the impact one makes in this world, and for one to make an impact, the greatest facilitator is usually one’s relationship with God. True, people who do not know God also do achieve immortality in ways more than one, but a person who allows godly power to flow through him makes the greatest impact for good and ends up being cherished forever by family, friends and the community that is impacted.
I will provide a place for my people (v10): David’s passion was to be a shepherd for his people, the Israelites. This passion was also the passion for God and David shared that desire because he was one with God and his heart longed for God. And, God assures him that they would have a home of their own without being oppressed by others. When you share God’s heart for his people and work toward that end in accordance with His will, He makes it real as was the case with David.
I will give you rest (v11): Man’s life here on earth is one of labor. He has to go through the pain and difficulty of working hard to till the soil of the earth that was cursed because of Adam’s sin. And so, nothing is easy in this life. For most, a life of labor is brought to an end only with death, which is anything but restful. However, through Christ one can enter into God’s rest where through the intensity of labor, one can also find rest and peace. A foreshadowing of this promise was given to David, wherein God promises him rest. It wasn’t that David didn’t fight any more battles or go through adversity. He did, but God’s peace was real for him.
I will raise up your offspring to succeed you (v12): Legacy refers to something that is passed on by a predecessor or ancestor. Legacy can be something material like money or estates, but also somethings more substantial like a way of life, attitudes, organizations or charity. Just like leadership becomes complete only when one leaves behind a successor, one’s life can be considered complete only when you have a successor who is able to build on what you have accomplished in life. Building a legacy needs a deliberate effort, often in the form of parenting and leadership coaching, and becomes a reality only when God blesses the effort. It was to David’s great joy that God promised to establish Solomon on the throne after him and make him even greater.
What are the promises God is making in your life as you enter the new year? Take time to listen and be amazed at what God has in store for you.
