2 Samuel 10-12

"In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem."

This is the premise of David's sin of adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah (one of David's faithful and humble soldiers).

I don't know the reason why David stayed behind in Jerusalem when all the other kings were off to war. Perhaps, he enjoyed a bit too much victory and decided to take it easy. I don't know. But as I read this, I was reminded of how it is easier for us to sin and fall into temptation when we neglect our duties, and have some extra undeserved time in our hands. Let's be obedient to God this day for the things he has set for us to do, so we may avoid any unnecessary sins.

"After Nathan had gone home, the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David, and he became ill. David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground. The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them. On the seventh day the child died."

God was displeased with David's sin, and he sent Nathan the prophet to let David know. God, through Nathan, also, told David that his sin is forgiven (that God would not kill him), yet, the consequence of his sin is that his son will die.

I was touched by David's heart of true repentance. He was so distraught with what he did and the consequence it caused, that he fasted and pleaded with God for 7 days. And this was after he found out that his sin was forgiven and that he, himself, would not die.

But after his child died, David immediately got up, washed up, and went on with his life. His servants were baffled by this sudden change.

"'Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!'

He answered, 'While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.' But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.'"

This passage reminded me that our past does not determine our future. When we sin, we must truly repent, but, afterwards, we must move on. We may deal with the consequences of our sins, but we are forgiven by the blood of Jesus. We tend to give into the lies of the enemy so often about our past sins and failures, and we get so discouraged by it. Let's be reminded that when Jesus said, "It is done" on the cross, he won the victory. And that this day, we can choose to live a victorious life full of hope and peace by the grace of God:)