1 Chronicles 29:17

 I know also, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things; and now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here to offer willingly to You.

     I can almost see King David in his prayer closet, having this most private and intimate conversation with God.  They are discussing the plans for building the temple, and that David will give out of his storehouse to honor His faithful Father.  He will give all he has and give it joyfully, knowing that it pleases God.  

     From his personal relationship with the Lord, David knows that God has tested his heart many times.  And he knows that there have been times he has disappointed the Lord.  But he is remembering those times that he was upright [righteous; virtuous; followed God's will and ways] and how he felt God's pleasure.  It is out of that desire to please God that his willingness and the joy of giving flows.

     David has also urged his subjects to seek the pleasure of God.  It is not only to benefit the building of the Temple that he wants them to donate, but so that they, too, can experience the joy of giving for all the right reasons.  And the ultimate reason to give from the heart is that it pleases our Father in heaven.

     I can remember the first time that my husband and I committed our business and our finances to the Lord; when we realized that He was the source of all our provision.  The Spirit created such a desire to steward whatever our allotment might be in a manner that glorified God.  Once you make the connection that it is not your money, but God's, it becomes a serious matter as to how you spend it. 

     We listen for how He wants us to disperse it in honor of Him.  For David and the Israelites, God directed them to build His temple.  For our family, God tells us to use his provision in varying ways.  It might be for His church, or the mission field, or a service organization that is meeting the needs of hurting human beings.  It might also be directly to an individual, whose situation gives us the opportunity to say that God is sending them financial help through us; to let them know He loves them.

     Whatever circumstance God orchestrates, He is in control, and it is ultimately to result in His glory.  And you know what?  Not only does it please God to see our obedience, but our hearts are filled with joy at partnering with Him to glorify His kingdom on earth.  Isn't it amazing, how our Father manages to couple our joy with His pleasure?  What a loving, giving God we serve!