Getting things in the right order

I was reading in 1 Chronicles 22 the other day about the preparations King David made for the building of a permanent temple for the Lord. He knew that he would not be the one to build it  (see 1 King 7) but it was still a heart's desire for him and so he set to work gathering the materials his son Solomon would need to get to work. Before he was done, he'd gathered 3750 tons of gold, 37,500 tons of silver, bronze and iron that couldn't even be measured there was so much of it, wood and stone galore. He'd also a list of craftsmen ready to start the work when Solomon became king.

And then he did something profound. He gathered the leaders of Israel and directed them to help Solomon in this huge task with these words:

"Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the Lord God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the sacred articles belonging to God into the temple that will be built for the Name of the Lord." (1 Chronicles 22:19)

When were they to begin? After they had spent time seeking God. Not just a quick prayer before picking up the spades, but after spending both time and energy devoted to seeking Him.

And that struck me as a good place to start. No matter what we have planned or dreamed or been preparing for. First, spend time seeking God.

And the best news?

It works.

How do I know?

Well, I think Proverbs 16:3 is the lesson that Solomon learned through the whole experience:

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."