Heart for the House Sample

“So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew some water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it. Instead, he poured it out as an offering to the Lord. ‘The Lord forbid that I should drink this!’ he exclaimed. ‘This water is as precious as the blood of these men who risked their lives to bring it to me.’ So David did not drink it.” - 2 Samuel 23:16-17 NLT

David was overwhelmed—not by thirst, but by the love and loyalty of his men. These warriors didn’t just hear a passing wish for water; they responded with deep devotion, risking their lives to serve their king. What they brought back wasn’t just water; it was a symbol of sacrifice, heart, and honour.

It reminds me of something my son did recently. He had been really looking forward to his cousin’s birthday party, and so we went to the shops, excited to finally buy something for him. After looking around, he found a toy he really liked, a toy he’d been wanting for a while. But instead of buying it for himself, we were buying it for his cousin’s birthday.

Later, though, when his cousin didn’t seem to treasure it the way he had hoped, I could see a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. It would’ve been easy to feel like it was a waste, that his thoughtfulness didn’t matter. Just like David’s mighty men could have felt when he poured out the precious water they had risked their lives to bring. But David didn’t waste their gift, he offered it to the Lord. Because it was so valuable, he saw it as too sacred to keep for himself.

In the same way, I reminded my son that the gift was still beautiful, not because of how it was received, but because of the love behind it. The same is true when we serve or give in God’s house. Even when it feels unseen, underappreciated, or poured out in ways we didn’t expect, God sees the heart behind it. And to Him, that heart — that offering — is never wasted.

Take time to reflect on your own heart for God’s house. Do you give out of routine, or out of love? Are there moments when your sacrifice feels unnoticed or wasted?

This week, choose to shift your focus. Whether you're giving time, energy, finances, or care, offer it not for recognition, but as an act of worship. Like David and like my son, let what matters to you become something sacred in God's hands.

Ask yourself:

• Where can I serve not just with my hands, but with my heart?
• Is there something I've held back because it felt like it wouldn't be appreciated?
• Can I reframe my giving as an offering to God rather than something needing a return?

Prayer:

God, thank You for seeing the heart behind every gift. Help me to serve and give with love, not for recognition, but because You are worthy. When I feel overlooked or like my efforts don’t matter, remind me that nothing poured out for You is ever wasted. Grow in me a deeper heart for Your house—one that values people, honours sacrifice, and worships You with everything I have. In Jesus’ name, Amen.