What Are You Counting?

While I was reading in 1 Chronicles, which seems to be a re-cap of everything I just read in 1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings, I was struck with curiosity. Why was it such a big deal when King David took a census (a count) of all of his warriors?! (1 Chronicles 21) Joab was all puffy about having to do this because it was evil and then God punishes David for it. What's wrong with counting people?

So I did a little bit of reading on this matter and then it was all obvious. You see King David is the same little boy who killed the giant name Goliath. He is the same boy who was a shepherd. The same boy who was taken from his father's home to play the harp for King Saul so Saul wouldn't be tormented. David was the same warrior that fled from King Saul who was trying to kill him. This same man went on to become a "man after God's own heart" and one of the most famous Kings of Israel.

We see that God brought David up from a "lowly" position in an average family and through a whole mess of stuff! He used David to do great and mighty things!! Now in the middle of King David's reign when things are going great he decides that he should know just how awesome he is. He measures his awesomeness by how strong his army is.

The issue here is that King David is now becoming prideful. He is probably starting to rely on the strength of his army instead of the strength of God. This is all a heart condition! I believe if David would have went at this with the attitude of "let's take notice of how amazing and faithful God is by measuring the army He has built!", then there wouldn't have been an issue. God loves us and wants us to have great things in life. But, God also knows great things (possessions, stature, relationships, platforms, etc.) are temporary. God would rather us be poor and have humility and love for him then to be wealthy and only have our wealth.

So today I want to challenge you to take a moment and reflect on the priorities in your life. Ask yourself if this is a priority because it is something you're wanting to achieve a higher status for you, or is it a priority because out of this come glory to God? Make the necessary adjustments. God is a faithful and just God. He gives mercy and grace and will help you readjust your priorities!

~Awaken Us~
Brenna Stanford