It’s a scene that captures my imagination. David’s all alone. If I’m understanding it correctly, he’s entered the tent where the ark is. The tent of animal skins that’s in the shadow of David’s magnificent “house of cedar” . . . the tent that David wanted to upgrade that he might build a house fitting for the glory of God to dwell . . . the tent that God says, “Leave it alone . . . you’re not going to build me a house . . . instead, I will build you a house . . . establishing your throne forever through your descendants” (1Chron. 17:1-15). So David goes into the tent . . . and, it says, he “sat before the Lord”.

One commentary I read says that David’s sitting was probably more what we would consider to be squatting. Makes sense . . . don’t think there was a chair made for the holy place. So I imagine David kind of squatted down . . . sitting on his heels . . . perhaps with his arms around his shins . . . chin tucked into his knees . . . staring hard at the ark of covenant set before him . . . considering deeply the cherubim overshadowing the mercy seat . . . in awe and wonder that he is permitted to approach the holy presence of God. He takes a position of humility . . . the king lowering himself before THE KING . . . the sovereign showing respect to THE SOVEREIGN . . . the blessee bowing before the Blessor.

And quietly he reflects . . . recalling his past . . . considering his present . . . trying to take in what God has promised concerning his future.

And then he whispers into the air . . . speaking toward the dwelling place of God’s glory . . . addressing the LORD who desires to be in the midst of His people . . .

“Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that You have brought me thus far? And this was a small thing in Your eyes, O God. You have also spoken of your servant’s house for a great while to come, and have shown me future generations, O LORD God! And what more can David say to You for honoring your servant? For You know Your servant.”   (1Chronicles 17:16-18 ESV)

Who am I, O LORD . . . and why have You chosen to show me such favor? That such grace would be extended to this shepherd is beyond comprehension. That he who was nothing, would now be king is unbelievable. God, You know Your servant . . . and even in light of that, You have determined to establish his throne forever . . . in spite of his past failures . . . apart from the “crashing and burning” he is yet to do. Who am I, O Lord? What more can I say concerning the wonder of Your love and mercy and grace shown to me?

How can David’s words not be my own? Sure, the details are different . . . but the grace isn’t. It might be a different dispensation . . . but He’s the same God. I might sitting at my desk rather than squatting before the ark . . . but His holiness is just as present through the indwelling Spirit. Mine might not be a promised throne . . . but I’ve been made a joint heir with Him whose throne will be established throughout eternity.

Doesn’t take a lot of noodling before the blessings that I have known by the grace of God come rushing to mind like a great river . . . just a bit of quietness and meditation and the awe-o-meter swings hard to the right . . . only a few minutes in the presence of God considering the promises of God and I can’t help but utter, “Who am I, O LORD God?”

Thank God that it’s not about “who am I?” . . . but all about “Who are You!”

To God alone be all glory . . .