David wanted to do something for God. He proposed building a house (temple) for Him (2 Samuel 7:1-2), but God had a better idea. Instead of David building a house for Him, God would build a house (family), for David! This meant his family would rule forever. It was realized first through his son Solomon, then through his descendants, and finally (ultimately) through Jesus Christ, the Son of David (Matthew 1:1; Acts 2:30).
What could David say? What could anyone say when they wish to do something for God and instead, He does something magnificent for them? David said:
“Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? (v. 18).
John Newton said it this way, “Through many dangers, toils, and snares, we have already come. Twas Grace that brought us safe thus far . . . and Grace will lead us home.” That’s our song as well. When you think about where you’ve been and where God has brought you, doesn’t it evoke a profound sense of humility? Even though God’s grace hasn’t manifested itself in us becoming kings or living in palaces, were still quite blessed in our own unique ways, aren’t we? If we’re paying attention at all, it’s impossible not to see our Father’s merciful and gracious hand at so many different places and times in our lives.
But David couldn’t stop there and neither should we. He also said:
“How great You are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like You, and there is no God but You,” (v. 22).
Most people count their blessings and say, “I’m so thankful.” But to whom are they thankful? Our blessings didn’t fall out of the sky or drop from the trees. Their end cause is not an economic upturn or the political acumen of a politician or government. We’ve been blessed because of God. James reminds us that every good thing comes from our Father (1:16-17). Paul will tell Timothy that God richly gives us all things to enjoy (1:6:17). So there is no need to equivocate intellectually or verbally—it all comes from God!
And what a Father we have! He spoke and the world came into existence. Read what the astronomers are saying about the size of the universe (they’re having trouble deciding). And who wouldn’t? There are lots of factors to take into account: the expanding universe, general relativity, Hubble’s constant, etc. The latest calculations suggest the universe being something along the order of 158 billion light years wide! 158 billion light years wide and our Father spoke and it was so!
Want more numbers? There are almost 8 billion people living on our planet. While that number is staggering to us and difficult if not impossible for us to get our minds around, it’s no problem for God. He knows every person by name. He knows the number of hairs upon each head. David was right— how great God is and there is no one like Him.
He also had a good recipe for thanksgiving – “Who am I . . . How great You are.”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 