Life Gets Messy

Devotional Reading: Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: According unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Psalm 51:1 KJV

As we have learned in the previous days, David was truly a man after God’s own heart. Just like any one of us, David is not exempt from sin. We live in a fallen world and wrestle with sin daily. Sin is anything we do that is opposite to the life God designed for us. From lying to our parents to gossiping about someone behind their back. We mess up.

David messed up big time. When he was king, he had an affair with a married woman. It took one moment of weakness and he had committed what the Bible calls adultery.

David eventually recognized his sin, with the help of Nathan, the prophet. He understood that he had made a huge mistake and was repentant, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”

He recognized he had disappointed God and sought forgiveness from Him. But, there were consequences to David’s actions for years to come. What David did with the consequences of his actions is what defined him. His responses were recorded in the Psalms and are some of the most hope-filled pages of Scripture today.

There are many lessons to be learned from David that are very difficult but also very necessary. David didn’t stay down. He may have fell but he stood back up and went on to be the greatest king of Israel.

How can you learn from the difficult lessons in your life to better become the person that God has created you to be?

Prayer and Confession
Lord I know sometimes I fall short but I know that your love is everlasting. Teach to respond rightly to the consequences of my actions know that you still Love me.

Further Reading: 2Samuel 12:1-7.