“I will not go home; I will not let myself rest. I will not let my eyes sleep nor close my eyelids in slumber until I find a place to build a house for the LORD, a sanctuary for the Mighty One of Israel.” (Psalm 132:3–5, NLT)

At times, strict resolution is the only path to accomplishment. Naturally, we are so easily distracted—pulled in one direction today and a different direction tomorrow. No doubt as king of Israel, David had multiple priorities. Many needs begged for time and resources. Key leaders had their agendas, which they were swift to pitch. There were cases to judge, mouths to feed, and wars to fight. But in David’s heart there was a burning desire to build a house for the LORD. It didn’t seem right to him that he lived in a gorgeous palace while the LORD lived in a tent. When he spoke with the prophet Nathan about it, Nathan told him to do whatever was in his heart. But that night the LORD told Nathan that David was not the one to build the temple. Instead, Solomon would build it. Nevertheless, God said that it was good that David had it in his heart to do it (1 Kings 8:18).

Is there anything for which you have such an ardent desire? Is there anything you would deny yourself sleep or food to obtain? If you were granted this desire, would it benefit the kingdom of God? Or would it only benefit you? It is good to have strong desires, for strong desires cause us to pray fervently and work hard. But it is even better to have strong desires that glorify Christ and bless others.

I cannot read these verses without considering our own building project. I have such high hopes for what this facility will enable us to do and the many new people we will be able to reach and disciple. But I know this dream will not become reality without the strict resolution of many. May God help us!