I was reflecting on the life of David, finding myself amazed at how quickly he changed. He went from pursuing God’s will, to fulfilling his own desires in an instant. He changed from doing good and conquering giants to adultery. Nothing would stop him from satisfying his desire. Not even murder. This story is shocking, and it has me asking how a man can go from holding God up high to utter disregard of him? The truth is, we are all capable of and susceptible to such action. Thankfully, God is a protector and he is on our side, no matter what.
Have you ever found yourself on the wrong side of God? David did. As Holly-Rae wisely pointed out to us on Saturday, David’s actions “broke God’s heart.” I love that she described it that way. Most of the time, I think in terms of black and white. I think good and love, or sin and punishment. I put similar polarizing actions on God. I assume that he loves me or hates me. In fact, too often, I assume that my actions determine the way he feels about me. They result in either promotion or punishment. That’s not true. God loves me, and you, through all of it. His continued love, and our continued disobedience causes him grief.
This is an important distinction. Since God is only love, he cannot hate. Our failures, no matter how bad, are redeemable. We see it in David. What happens after he engaged in the worst of the worst sins? God reached out. That’s right. He needed David to know of his hurt. He sought to relieve his grief.
God could haven convicted David of his sin through quiet time, or personal study. Who knows, maybe he tried that first. In this case, God spoke through David’s best friend, Nathan. Whatever method God chooses to get our attention, a response is required. In this case, David responded with confession.
“I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.”
I breathe a huge sigh of relief as soon as i read it. With that simple confession, God restores peace to David. Why? Because God is no longer grieving. I imagine God rejoicing in that moment and that joy translates to David directly.
I am thankful, today, for the same opportunity. I am grateful that God loves me, no matter what. I am humbled that he will take me back, no matter what.