King David – Inspiring Joy

Psalm 17

David was the King of Israel, remembered down through centuries of time for the Psalms and songs he wrote. They are very revealing of the character of the man who as a boy fought the giant Goliath. As an adult he fell into the sin of adultery; his relationship with Bathsheba, recorded in scripture, serves as a warning to those who pray to live righteous lives. His son Solomon became king after him and was renowned for his wisdom.

In Psalm 17 David presents his credentials to the Lord “O Lord hear my righteous plea” (:1). Was this because he was totally committed to pleasing God in every way? How often have you identified yourself as righteous before the Lord? We are taught to come with humility, pleading the blood of Jesus to cover our sins, whether they are known or unknown. In verse 2 David acknowledges “My vindication comes from You”….in other words – “You probe [know] my heart”, verse 3. Now why is this important?

This demonstrates the degree of relationship that David had with his God. “Keep me as the apple of Your eye” (:8). Isn’t that a beautiful word picture? Wouldn’t you like to know you are the apple of God’s eye? Why couldn’t we be?

David has obviously put some thought into his life journey. “I have resolved that my mouth will not sin” (:3). Sometimes we think that means swearing, but a simple thing like telling the truth can mean much in the eyes of God. It isn’t always easy to tell the truth. We live in a world filled with deception, so that truth takes on many shades. A little white lie became a joke, but here we find a man whose heart is totally committed to pleasing his God in word and deed (:3-4).

Another thing we learn about David’s relationship with God; it is built on his knowledge of God’s love “the wonder of Your great love” (:7). God’s character can be trusted and David knows God’s love will not let him get away with sin. God brought the prophet Nathan to confront him with his sin of adultery. Why? So that David would be brought to the place of confession. God wants us to confess our sins. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Psychologically we can only heal from our mistakes as we face them. Our Creator God wants us to live lives that are free from past sin. What an awesome God!

David leaves us with some final thoughts. “Hide me in the shadow of Your wings” (:8). In another Psalm he writes “He [God] will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge” (Psalm 91:4). Then he ends on an eternal note. In eternity where our righteousness will be complete “I will see Your face; when I awake I will be satisfied with seeing Your likeness” (:15).

Reflection:

It is no wonder many folks find comfort in the writings of King David. He knew God personally! We too may know Him! We have the privilege of knowing Him through his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. What a blessing that He came to seek and to save humankind, which was lost in sin. Praise God!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

1 Corinthians 10:13

Do you always recognize when you have been seized by temptation? Satan is subtle. We know how Job was tempted because we read in scripture God permitted Satan to submit him to extraordinary testing. (Job 1:6-12) Everything was taken away from this wealthy man, his possessions, his family and eventually his health. God knew His man! With confidence He permitted this, with only one restriction – Satan could not take Job’s life.

David was tempted on different occasions. In a cave, hidden from his mortal enemy, David could have taken Saul’s life, but he opted to trust God with his own life and future by allowing the King to go free (1 Samuel 24). He is famous for his failure with Bathsheba, but even worse perhaps than that, was when he succumbed to the thought he should take a census throughout his nation (2 Samuel 24:1). Sometimes we ourselves confuse the voice of God with the voice of Satan. Hindsight is always clearer. As David looked back he repented, confessing his sin before God. However, there was a penalty. The consequence of his wrong choice cost 70,000 people their lives, by means of the plague (2 Samuel 24:15)

Why did the man who bravely stood before Goliath in the name of the Lord, fail to remember this Holy One was the source of his strength? Why did he need to count the strength of man-power in his army? We may never know the answer to those specific questions, but what we might learn from David’s experience is how important it is to keep our eyes fixed on God.

Seeking Him, His presence moment by moment, His will for each day, His wisdom and discernment, will give us the courage we need when Satan looks for a weakness in our armour. Knowing our weaknesses is a preventative. Do you know where and when you are most vulnerable? What do you do to prevent Satan getting a toehold in these areas? Denial is the enemy of our faith.

God promises the faithful: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man, and God is faithful. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you are able to bear. But when you are tempted He will also provide a way out, so that you can stand up under it.”

This was true so often, in David’s case. God sent people to confront David when he sinned because God wanted him to be pure in heart. Joab, general of his army, was horrified at his suggestion to take a census and warned him of the evils (2 Samuel 24:3). Nathan confronted David regarding his sexual sin (2 Samuel 7). Eventually David was conscience-stricken and regretted bitterly the choices he had made.

Reflection:

Why did David listen to his mentors? Because he recognized he had displeased God.

Do we pause to thank God for bringing folks into our lives who have the courage to confront us so that our fellowship with God is not destroyed?

The question for us, as we face temptation today, must be “Is this pleasing to God?” Does it really matter?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Tag: King David

A Prayer of David

Seized by Temptation!