"I've Got an Idea!"

1st Chronicles 17.1b-2 NASU

“…David said to Nathan the prophet, ‘Behold, I am dwelling in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD is under curtains.’ Then Nathan said to David, ‘Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.’ ”

I have no idea where ideas come from. It’s a mystery. They just appear. An idea emerges, swirling around in the back of my head, slows down, gradually comes into focus, and presents itself for my evaluation. Is it a good idea or a passing thought of little worth? If it makes the initial cut I place the fledgling concept on the mental back burner and wait. If the thought continues to pop up as an idea of merit, I may run it by a trusted adviser or friend. A thumbs up at that level will likely prompt a plan of action. A few of my ideas actually become reality.

King David had an idea. It made perfect sense... David’s home was better than the Lord’s. The king lived in a cedar house. The ark of the covenant was stored in a tent. How unfair. David would build a beautiful Temple for the Lord. It seemed like such a great idea.

David shared his plan with Nathan the prophet who concluded that, since God was with David, David’s idea must be from God. Nathan told the king to proceed. 

Later that night the Lord paid Nathan a visit…

“Go and tell David My servant, ‘Thus says the LORD,

“You shall not build a house for Me to dwell in...” ’ ”

1st Chronicles 17.4 NASU

What a surprise! God did not want a Temple. It was a good idea. A Temple would eventually be built. But not now and not by King David.

Not all ideas, even good ones, are in sync with God’s plans. Your good ideas may be right for someone, just not you. They may be right for a future time, just not now. Good ideas are exactly that... good ideas and nothing more. God has ideas of His own. 
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Black and white photo of a man holding a light bulb over his head is by photographer Felipe T. Marques. I found his image on Flickr.