Making mistakes is a part of life. At times, we make the wrong choices and there are consequences for our actions. Sometimes the consequences are small, and unfortunately, sometimes the consequences are immense.
2 Samuel 11 outlines a salacious story about King David, a chosen leader of God. David, who was king of Israel, saw an attractive woman on the roof of her home. Being a man of great power, David called on the woman, who he found out was the wife of one of his leading warriors. Even though David knew of her marriage to one of his loyal fighters, Uriah, David had a relationship with the woman, Bathsheba. Bathsheba became pregnant. Discovering this, David arranged for Uriah to be sent to the frontline of battle where he knew he would be killed. David not only slept with a married woman, but he also had her husband “murdered.”
2 Samuel 12 addresses how God sent the prophet Nathan to confront King David about the horrible sins he committed. Nathan outlined to David how God would bring punishment upon him and he would suffer greatly for his sin.
King David was rich, was the most powerful person in Israel, and was accountable to no man. He was accustomed to getting what he wanted. He was accomplished and things typically worked in his favor. His expectations of his life became bigger than his accountability and commitment to God.
Perhaps that might sound like you. I know I can relate. When things in our lives are going well, we can become comfortable with the good things, and lack appreciation and humility to God.
Whatever the transgression, our God still loves us. God hates the sin but loves the sinner. Even though God loves us, He may punish us and hold us accountable for our actions. 2 Samuel 12:14 tells us that Nathan told King David, “the child who is born to you shall surely die.” 2 Samuel 12:16-23 tells the story of the birth and death of King David and Bathsheba’s first son. Although God was furious and punished King David, 2 Samuel 12:13 says “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.”
That brings us to our reading today which is Psalm 51 “A Prayer of Repentance.” King David poured out his heart to God, acknowledging the sins he committed related to the relationship with Bathsheba and Uriah’s death.
Taking accountability for our actions can be difficult. Our actions may have negatively impacted a relationship, emotionally hurt a person, physically injured another person, or even worse, killed another person.
God wants us to repent. God wants us to concede our transgressions and show that we accept responsibility. God wants us to turn to Him in times of trouble and ask Him for forgiveness.
Admitting we are wrong can be a hard “pill to swallow.” Humility is not always a common trait. When things are going well for us, we must not “move away” from God. Life will throw us challenges and strife, along with happy times and hopefully prosperity. The constant in our entire journey is that God loves us and wants us to give Him reverence and praise for our blessings.
It’s hard to think that God punishes us. It’s difficult to understand why God would “want bad” for us. For me, I believe it comes down to responsibility and loyalty. Everything I have comes from our Lord and Savior. If I disobey His commands, clearly laid out in the Bible, I expect to be held accountable.
Our relationship with our Lord is no different than the relationships we have on earth. A relationship is built on love and trust and should be valued and protected. Our relationship with our Lord is no different. If we mess up, apologize and ask God for forgiveness. When things are going well for us, give praise and thanks to our Lord for our blessings.
