David's Lament Was Real!
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles Tags: Bible Lessons on King DavidLooking at the story of King David, Israel’s most illustrious ruler — a man after God’s own heart, we see that he became the seducer, the adulterer, the liar, the murderer — utterly pitiless and unmoved by his monstrous misdeeds (2 Samuel 12:1-14). Israel’s ruler was now ruled by sin (cf. Romans 6:16).
A year had passed since David committed adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrated the murder of her husband. David deteriorated physically and emotionally. His gnawing conscience kept him restless and melancholy. At night he tossed and turned.
When David was brought face to face with his corruption, his defenses crumbled. He cried, “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Samuel 12:13). And Nathan the prophet replied, “The Lord also has put away your sin.” Despite the devastating consequences of David’s sin, he was assured of God’s forgiveness.
After realizing the extent of his sin and its consequences, David penned Psalm 51:1-19, a song of repentance and pleading for God’s forgiveness. “I acknowledge my transgressions …. Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:3; Psalm 51:7).
Are we suffering the consequences of our sins? Like David, let’s admit our transgressions and ask God to forgive our sins (1 John 1:9). He will show abundant mercy and restore “the joy of thy salvation” (Psalm 86:5; Psalm 51:12) if we are willing to truly repent (2 Corinthians 7:10; cf. 2 Samuel 12:13).