Living a life that truly reflects this verse requires some time with God and some life experience. Oh, I may read the Word of God. I may be stunned by its beauty and poetry. I may even be impressed by
the great and wondrous works of God for His people Israel which are recorded in rich detail. Stories of impossible battles won, and the laws of nature defied, and larger than life leaders, true heroes jump off the pages.
Many folks who have not yet received the gift of salvation and the Holy Spirit’s presence are only able to see the Bible as a story book, even a fairy tale. Of course, those same people usually have not read much of it. However, a closer look would reveal more than they might imagine.
Any soap opera today pales in comparison to the triumphs and failures, loyalties and betrayals, rapes, murders, even incest, jealousy, robberies and lies recorded in the Word of God.
The Bible is full of every kind of seedy disgusting human trait and activity. So, do you think it might have any relevance for us in 2012?
Out of the ash heap of human failures, God raised up leaders to point out a better way, and ultimately, to point to THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE, JESUS CHRIST, the only One who can save.
David’s life ran the gamut from hero to fugitive, to king to adulterer and murderer. He was far from perfect, yet God said that he was a man after His own heart. When the prophet Nathan came to David to confront him about his sin with Bathsheba, David was still in denial about it. As far as David was concerned, it was his secret that he had sent her husband off to die in battle and took her for himself.
Yet, God knew of David’s sin. God knew that when sin is left to fester, without confession and repentance, it will rob a person of the fullness and joy God intends for every soul. David’s life would never be as effective as God desired for him unless he took responsibility for his actions and asked for the forgiveness that God was ready to provide.
If you haven’t read the account, and the cool way that Nathan opened David’s eyes to his need for repentance, you can find it in the book of 2 Samuel Chapter 12. David immediately repented, and surely was renewed and restored. Out of that grief came his beautiful Psalm 51 which says in verse 10, “Create a pure heart in me, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Whew! That sounds like a new man!
Nevertheless, there were still consequences to be dealt with, but, that restored relationship with his God guided David through the rest of his years.
It is hard to draw near to God when we know something deep inside is bothering us. It feels good to get things off your chest. Whatever things we have been hiding, well, nothing is hidden from God. I know it. You know it. He knows it. So, what are we going to do with it?
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
You came near when I called you, and you said, "Do not fear." Lamentations 3:57
The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29
Praise God, that though we sin, and break our relationship with Him because of it, even daily, He beckons us to come to Him and lay that thing down at the foot of His cross. Jesus offered his blood to cleanse you and me from that sin. Don’t let it rob you of the deepest joy in knowing Him. Don’t let it keep you from the total freedom Jesus purchased for you on Calvary. Confess, repent, turn from it, and rise up in the glorious Resurrection power of forgiveness. "Behold, I make all things new," says the LORD.
Gracious LORD, It is no wonder we call it “Amazing Grace”. You reach out your hand of forgiveness to us over and over again. Help us never to insult your great love and mercy by deliberate disobedience. May our hearts be pure, even as David’s, in recognizing our need of You. Disicpline and disciple us, Lord, to live out Your purpose for our lives, and experience the freedom we have in You. Amen.
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