God ultimately looks to our heart. It is our heart condition that determines our standing with Him. That is because it is what lies in our heart, not in our mouth, that determines our actions.
There are times when we truly want to do something, but circumstances prevent us. Perhaps we want our church to take a step of faith in obedience to what God has told us, but our church votes down the proposal. Or perhaps we want to walk with a colleague who is struggling so we can help him to succeed, but the other person refuses our help. Maybe we truly desire to give more money to worthy causes, but our current finances do not permit us to do so. That can be frustrating to people who have a heart to do more than they can.
The encouraging truth is that God sees what is in our heart. God knew that David truly wanted to build Him a temple. David certainly would have done so, had he been allowed to. God, in His wisdom, chose to have David’s son build it. Perhaps it was because David’s hands were covered in blood from his warfare. Additionally, God may have known that Solomon, with his wisdom and administrative genius,would be better suited to the project. Nevertheless, God was pleased at what He saw in David’s heart.
We may never see some of what is in our heart for the Lord come to reality. Perhaps it is for another time, or another leader. But God knows what is in our heart. He recognizes our willingness and our love for Him. That never goes unnoticed.