This little verse reveals a powerful spiritual principle - that the Lord works wonders in His followers' lives because He has promised to, and because He wants to. So, when we read a promise in the Bible that sounds too good to be true - we can lay hold of it by faith, believing that because He said it, He wants to do it!

One translation of this verse says: "You will do all these wonderful things because you SAID You would do them, and because You WANT to do them." (2 Samuel 7:21 ERV) When we see in God's Word that He will supply all of our needs (Philippians 4:19), we can pray and claim His promise, having confidence that He will do it simply because He SAID He would do it, and because He DESIRES to do it. We don't have to twist His arm or beg Him to keep His promises.

I like how the Message Bible translates these precious words of David the shepherd king: "You've done all this not because of who I am but because of who YOU are - out of Your very heart!"

Martin Luther said, "Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance, but laying hold of His willingness." One of the best ways we can lay hold of God's willingness is to pray His promises back to Him, believing with all our hearts that He longs to fulfill them on our behalf. Are you prepared to lay hold of the Lord's willingness today?

Prayer: Lord, help me to spend plenty of time in Your presence and Your Word on a regular basis, so that I might better know and appreciate Your boundless goodness, mercy, and power. Teach me how to dig deep into the Scriptures, and to lay hold of the divine promises that have my name on them. Increase my faith in Your faithfulness to Your Word, and guard me from doubt and unbelief. Thank You that as I trust in Your ability and willingness to bless me in every area of my life, I will witness You working wonders on my behalf!