Day 154: David's Discontent

Mark 4:21-41; 2 Samuel 11-12; Daniel 6

 Even the wind and the waves obey him. The disciples had put Jesus in a box. The only reason I see this story this way, is because I've done the same thing. I've had moments where I was shocked at what God had done; I've been surprised by how good things turned out; or amazed at the power of Jesus. Why am I so surprised? This is God, creator of the universe, omniscient, omnipotent! The disciples asked one of the stupidest questions of all time, "Teacher, don't you care that we're about to drown?" They assumed that because their circumstances were so terrible, that even God wouldn't help them out. Especially since he seemed so uninterested. First, God cares SO much. Secondly, God is WAY stronger and bigger than our circumstances, so even when our trials seem insurmountable, God's got it. Third, God does seem distant today for two reasons: he doesn't send out pillars of fire, and people don't spend time reading the Bible. The more time I spend in the word, the more I feel God's presence in my heart and life. So this story, despite the many times we've heard it, still holds important messages. Don't put God in a box. Yes, he cares. God will take care of it. Get to know him through your Bible.

Ah, Bathsheba. The lure of a woman. Ok, so first, I don't know if she was supposed to be bathing in her courtyard. Maybe that was common, maybe she should have taken her bath inside. Second, if we are tempted, we should run away. David knew what would happen if he pursued Bathsheba.  But he asked for more information anyway. Had he fought the temptation to ask who she was, he may never have sinned. How often do we sometimes go out of our way to lure sin or find out more that we really don't need to know?

Then, David puts on this show, that he cares about Uriah, that he has a message for Joab, and that he is shocked about Uriah dying. David wanted more and more; he was not content with all that God had given him. Sin does that, it makes us discontent. If ever we feel that what we haven't isn't good enough, we need to evaluate why we feel that way.  When sin clouds our vision, often we put on this mask that everything is ok. Uriah was a good man, and because of David's selfishness and sin, Uriah lost his life. What casualties occur because of our sin? Broken families? Hurt feelings? Lost innocence? Our sins never just affect us.

When Nathan shows up and tells his story, David is able to see the sin in someone else, but cannot identify it in himself, either because he doesn't want to or he can't. We all need faithful friends who are willing to keep us on the right track and call us out when we are waist deep in sin.

And finally, there are consequences for sin. David's son dies. That's really sad. But, the beauty of the story is that David believed in the power of God to heal his son, and when he didn't, he still worshipped God. Then, God blessed David and Bathsheba when they did their relationship the right way. There is redemption and healing in The Lord.

Even though the world was against God and Daniel, both God and Daniel remained faithful. Daniel trusted in The Lord, and God saw him through. That is so reassuring. Trust in The Lord to provide, even when the world is attacking us like hungry lions.