Arise and Worship

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 12

Scripture Focus: Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. (2 Samuel 12.20)

Devotional Thought: Tragic! The only innocent people in this story - a newborn baby and a loyal soldier - are the ones bearing the burden for David and Bathsheba's sin. The wisdom of the Lord is beyond our grasp at times. The Lord operates on an eternal timetable, of which we have merely a snapshot, and that is why it is essential to trust in his mercy, love, and compassion for all mankind.

David trusted. Even after Nathan delivered his crushing news, David knew to whom he must turn. He cried out, fasted, prayed, and poured his heart out in anguish before the Lord, pleading for the life of his child. He is laying flat on the floor and refuses to get up, until he hears the news that his son is dead. At this point, “David arose ... and he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped” (v. 20). David knew that God could have answered his prayers to spare his son. When God chose not to do that, David immediately goes into the house of the Lord to worship him. Not because he was happy with what had happened, not because God answered his prayer in exactly the way he had wanted, but because he is God. No other reason is needed.

What is our reaction when our prayers are not answered in the way we think is best? We are told that his ways are higher than our ways, and his thoughts higher than our thoughts (Is. 55:9). So, why are we surprised when he chooses to answer our prayers in his own way?

Regardless of how God chooses to answer our prayers, may our response be like David's: to worship him.

Jenny

Prayer: Lord, I confess that I do not understand your ways. But, I trust in you! I worship you, for you are God and your ways are best. In the name of Jesus, who died for my sins, I pray. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 103.15-22

15 As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; 16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. 17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, 18 to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. 19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.

20 Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! 21 Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will! 22 Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul!