1 Chronicles 15

Nov 16, 2022    Pastor Daryl Zachman

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12, NKJV)


For the longest time David had wanted the Ark of God to be near him. He pitched a tent on Mount Zion in Jerusalem so that the LORD could be at the heart of the nation. But when he tried to move it the first time, he failed. He had not followed the LORD’s commandments that the Levites were to carry it with poles on their shoulders. After three months David decided to try again.


When it comes to doing the will of God, “you know it don’t come easy.” There are challenges to overcome. There are disappointments to get over. You hope and pray for the best, but when it doesn’t come right away, it makes you heartsick. Many believers make the mistake of quitting at this point. They are like little children who pout when they don’t get their way. Grownups persevere to get what they want. And the mature believer seeks not his own whim but the will of God. He is willing to humble himself and admit his mistakes. Rather than becoming despondent, he seeks another opportunity. Next time he will be a little smarter, a little tougher, a little more determined…and who knows what may happen?


When the desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life! That is how David felt when at last he was able to bring the Ark to himself. That is why he was dancing before the LORD with all his might. David had desired one thing: that he could dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of his life (Psalm 27:4). Now that could happen, for the LORD would be with him!


We have the LORD with us all the time! He is Emmanuel—God with us—who dwells in us by the Holy Spirit. We are His temple and never alone. Should we not celebrate as David celebrated? If our desire is truly for the LORD, and for nothing else, then when we receive Christ, we have the object of our affection. Should we not make music in our heart and rejoice in the LORD?


But there was one person who did not celebrate. When Michal saw David dancing and celebrating, she despised him in her heart. And she would be barren from then on. What could have been a tree of life to her became a bitter root. This is the cost of misplaced desire.


May God help us today to pursue noble desires and persevere until we achieve them. May we truly delight ourselves in the LORD knowing that He will give us the desires of our heart. Remember, when you are doing the will of God, it is always too early to quit!