It takes giving up our own ideas and desires to hear God’s voice clearly. Nathan the prophet was faced with that challenge.
Now it came to pass when the king was dwelling in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies all around, 2 that the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells inside tent curtains.” Then Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.” But it happened that night that the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying, 5 “Go and tell My servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Would you build a house for Me to dwell in? 2Samuel 7:1-5
“When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.2Samuel 7:12-13
Now that King David had peace all around him, he desired to build a temple for the Lord. Nathan, the prophet, encouraged him and told David that God was with him for what was in David’s heart. However, Nathan had not checked in with the Lord to hear His will about this situation.
King David’s desire was noble and honorable. God had not had a temple up to this point in history. His presence was in the Ark of the Covenant, which moved as Israelites moved from place to place. Now that the Israelites were settled in their land and enjoyed peace, it seemed appropriate to build a temple for the Lord.
Just because something is good or spiritual, it does not mean the Lord has led it. Some people are involved in spiritual or non-spiritual activities in the name of God, but God has never endorsed their actions. We cannot rely on our logic, desires, or circumstances to determine whether God is in it or not.
Furthermore, Nathan was led by his affection and honor for the king rather than being led by the Spirit of the Lord. Nathan had not heard the voice of the Lord yet, but only the voice of his emotions. God intervened and corrected him. He told Nathan that king David was not going to build the temple for him. Nathan had to be willing to hear God’s voice above his own emotions and be humble enough to correct his mistake.
When you or your loved ones embark on something that seems good or spiritual, are you willing to slow down to hear His voice? Would you be willing to change directions if God’s voice leads you the opposite of your desires?
