It was a king’s question. But it could be, and should be, a question that finds its way seeping from my heart on a regular basis.

Then King David went in and sat before the LORD and said, “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that You have brought me thus far?

(1Chronicles 17:16 ESV)

David wants to build a house for God, a more permanent structure where the glory could dwell. To upgrade the covering for the Holy Place from a tent of animal skins to a house of cedar. But God informs David, through Nathan the prophet, that instead of David building a house for God, God has purposed to build a house for David. To establish his throne forever. To raise up one of his descendants, and establish His kingdom forever. And David pauses to process such an unexpected and unfathomable revelation. And in doing so, at some point, he goes in and sits before the LORD and says, Who am I? That I should be in this place, at this point, with such promises?

I’m no David. Not elevated from tending sheep to ruling over God’s people. But I have been freed from my sins by His blood and drafted to be part of a kingdom of priests (Rev. 1:5-6). Not promised an eternal throne. But I am promised an eternal crown (James 1:12).

I’m thinking that any believer, regardless of their current lot or circumstance, has more than enough reason to pause, reflect, and ask the king’s question, “Who am I, that you have brought me thus far?”

A sinner saved by grace. Lost but now found. Once far way, but then brought near. Once an enemy, now regarded as friend. Once without hope, now anticipating a glorious eternity.

And don’t even get me started on the promises. Precious and very great promises through which I participate in a divine nature (2Pet. 1:4). Promises bringing strength for today (Php. 4:13, 4:19). Promises of an unimaginable glory for tomorrow (Heb. 9:15). All the promises of God finding their Yes in Jesus, and “that is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory” (2Cor. 1:20).

Regularly we should pause. Often we should reflect on where we’ve come from, even if we’re not where we want to be. Frequently we should run a mental inventory and recall the promises made to us by the Almighty God of all creation. And when we do, how can we then not whisper, “Who am I, O LORD God, that You have brought me thus far?”

It’s a king’s question. It’s a grace question? From time to time, it should be our question.

Reflecting on grace. In awe of His favor. Only for His glory.