Have We Filled in the Blanks for Ourselves?

“And so I intend to build a house for the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord said to David my father, ‘Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, shall build the house for my name.’ (1 King 5:5)

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For many of us, the beginning of a year marks a time when we reflect on our lives. Our goals and priorities come to the forefront, and new dreams are born.

Not long ago, I had been making plans for my future and considering how to take the next step. But as I read through Scripture, I was faced with a question that made me pause.

As Christians, God may give us specific dreams or ideas of what He wants us to do. Yes, there are general instructions in Scripture that reveal God’s will (Matt. 22:36-40; Matt. 28:18-20;1 Thess. 5:16).

Sometimes, we are given more specific things that God lays on our hearts (which align with Scripture).

This could be starting a new ministry, moving to a new location, or seeking what job to take.

But there is a question that must be considered. When God tells us to do something, do we try to fill in the blanks ourselves? Or do we wait on God?

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Let’s look at this example from Scripture:

Solomon, the king of Israel, wanted to build a temple to honour God. He had been blessed abundantly as king and now wanted to carry out the dream first given to his Father, King David.

God had told David that Solomon would build the temple. Scripture reads:

“And so I intend to build a house for the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord said to David my father, ‘Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, shall build the house for my name.’  (1 King 5:5)

So confident that this plan fulfilled the words spoken to his father, Solomon began the work needed.

The dream was pure, a building that brought glory to the God of Israel.

Though he eventually finished the temple and dedicated it to the Lord ( 1 Kings 8:22-66), Solomon had taken an unnecessary turn.

In the process of acquiring materials for the project, Solomon compromised on the Lord’s laws by marrying foreign women. This may appear to be a strange law if we look at it through the lens of our society, and perhaps offensive.  

But to help us understand, we must look at the historical context. This law was given to the Israelites to prevent them from turning away to other gods and practicing wicked rituals during that time period. It was to honour God and also to preserve God’s chosen people, from which the Saviour would be born (Jeremiah 30:9; Micah 5:2). Also, to ensure that the Israelites looked to the One true God all their lives for the sake of honouring YAHWEH, and also for their survival as a people.

The Bible says Solomon clung to these women in love, although it meant disobeying the instructions outlined in Deuteronomy 7:3-4 and 17:17, as Scripture reads:

“from the nations of whom the Lord had said to the children of Israel, “You shall not intermarry with them, nor they with you. Surely they will turn away your hearts after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love” (1 Kings 11:2).

This led to Solomon participating in idol worship, as he chased other idols and acted in a way that was evil in the sight of God (1 Kings 11:4-6)

God had promised His protection for Solomon if he walked in obedience (1 Kings 4:4-5).  

“…if you would walk before me, as David your father walked, with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you, and keeping my statutes and my rules, then I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.”(1 Kings 4:4-5).

He was the most influential person in Israel at the time. As a result of His actions, there was judgment upon the kingdom.

Surely God’s instruction would not have contradicted his practical law to preserve the Israelites.  

But rather than wait for God to provide the resources, he took matters into his own hands and gained resources in a way which broke the commands God had laid out.

Solomon was given a dream but filled in the blanks and relied on his human understanding.

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The question remains: do we try and fill in the blanks? Or do we surrender to God and wait on His direction?

To clarify, waiting is not the same thing as inaction. Rather, the Hebrew word קָוָה means “to await.”.[1] It is looking forward to the expectation that God will make His desire known.

There are already many aspects of God’s known will in Scripture that is clearly given for us to live out.

However, Solomon’s story serves as a reminder not to get ahead of God but rather to commit everything to Him in prayer. Instead of trying to accomplish tasks or fulfill specific dreams on our own strength, we can lean on the loving Father to give us strength, wisdom, and direction. We can present our ideas, dreams and plans before Him in prayer and humbly accept His direction.

We lay it at His feet by setting time aside to talk to God honestly in prayer, times of solitude, searching the Scriptures, and seeking the advice of godly people. Lastly, being open to whatever His answer is.

May we walk the path of obedience with God every step of the way and be open to whatever He calls us to do.

Blessings,

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[1] “Psalm 40,” STEP, accessed January 5, 2023, https://www.stepbible.org/?q=version&options=HNVUG.