DEPENDENCE

David began his journey strong. As a young man, David fearlessly confronted the giant Goliath, placing his trust in God and acknowledging that the battle belonged to the Lord (1 Samuel 17:45-47). David faced the challenge of King Saul's threats, but he consistently sought God's counsel (1 Samuel 23:2,4). Even when he had the opportunity to kill Saul, he refused to harm him because Saul was God's anointed (1 Samuel 24:5-6). David held God in such high regard that he extended that respect to anyone anointed by God as king. David chose to rely and depend on God's plan and power for his life.

However, when David finally became king, he gradually became complacent and self-sufficient. While idling in his palace while his men were at war, David succumbed to temptation and committed adultery with Bathsheba the wife of Uriah, one of David's loyal soldiers (2 Samuel 11:4-5). Despite this knowledge, David chose to give in to temptation, resulting in Bathsheba's pregnancy (2 Samuel 11:4-5). Consequently, David had to engage in deceitful schemes to cover up his sin and avoid its discovery. This grave sin of David was considered "evil in the sight of the Lord" (2 Samuel 11:27) and caused severe consequences in his life and family.

REPENTANCE

When the Lord sent Nathan to confront David about his sin (2 Samuel 12), David was faced with the reality of his wickedness. He immediately confessed his sin and did not attempt to hide or justify his actions (2 Samuel 12:13-14). In Psalm 51:1-3, David poured out his heart, appealing to God's abundant grace, unfailing love, and deep compassion. He fully admitted and took complete responsibility for his mistakes. David openly acknowledged that he had committed evil and accepted that he deserved the consequences of his sins (Psalm 51:4). He recognized that his disobedience was a direct affront to God's commandments and a betrayal of His holy name.

True repentance, as demonstrated by David, goes beyond mere words of remorse. It entails a transformation of the mind, heart, and behavior, leading to a new direction of wholeheartedly following Jesus instead of selfish desires. Repentance is not a one-time event but an ongoing attitude and posture of the heart. As believers, we are called to continually repent, allowing the Holy Spirit to convict us of any wrongdoing. It is through this ongoing repentance that we experience spiritual growth and intimacy with God.

WORSHIP

Worship is our proper response to who God is and what He has done, what He continues to do in us, through us, and for us. If we have been forgiven, by God’s grace, we will choose to worship, please, and honor God. Psalm 51 outlines David’s prayer which shows how he understood his need of a clean heart and a renewed, steadfast spirit. He asked for restoration of joy and sustenance of spirit and chose to worship Him with a broken spirit and a contrite heart. In our brokenness and humility, we can approach God’s grace and as we worship Him from the heart, He will empower us to continue living a life pleasing to Him!

At the end of David’s life, God described him as a man after His heart (Acts 19:22) and one who had served the purpose of God in his generation (Acts 19:36). May we always choose to go after God’s heart, to do His will, and by His grace, power, and Spirit, FINISH WELL!