“But the thing David had done displeased the Lord.” 2 Samuel 11:27
David was called a man after God’s own heart. He was a strong warrior for the Lord. He had faith to kill a giant that made grown men run for the hills. He stirred the loyalty of mighty men who followed him all the days of his life. He was a gentle shepherd. He was a great king. The Lord God Almighty was with Him. He experienced the friendship of the Father.
But…the thing David had done displeased the Lord. He did not go to the battlefield as the kings usually did. He stayed behind. He saw something beautiful that was not his, and he took it. Caught in the middle of his own sin, he murdered to cover his tracks.
That is no small but. Are you shocked? Does it make you sad? Do you wonder what David was thinking? How could he? I always want this part of the story—the but, to be erased. I want to see one guy, come through it all with a clean slate. But, that is not the case.
So we get to walk with David straight through his but, and the consequences he suffers because of it. His family is shattered. His world turned upside down. David ends up face down on his own palace floor pleading for mercy. He agonizes. So do we. When the dust settles and the Lord judges we see David do what we love him for. He worships.
- The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—from violent people you save me. 2 Samuel 22:2-3
- He reached down from on hight and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. 2 Samuel 22:17
- You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light. 2 Samuel 22:29
- As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields those who take refuge in him. 2 Samuel 33:31
- For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? 2 Samuel 22:32
Every story has one. Mine does. I have a passion to walk with God and do what His Word says. But…many times I do not. I find myself in messes of my own making daily. But, praise God there is something else working in my favor. The Lord, the one David so eloquently praised, is my rock too. He is my Savior. He reaches down, draws me out of my messes and restores me. See God, has a but too. It is called Grace. I can echo David and say Who is God besides the Lord?
I’m undone by this. How about you?
I have a lot of “buts” in life. As much as I have screwed up, especially before I asked Christ to come into my heart,He still loved me and provided for me and He was patiently waiting for me. I have some buts now. As I reflect, many of my “but” have been “but, God, why?” or “but, God, I don’t know if I can…” or “but, God, when?” because I am not patient in many ways and want that immediate gratitfication, I end up with “but…..I just wanted……..” like a child trying to explain myself.
My grandmother used to say “your butt is behind you, not in front of you. Get up and move on.”
I have to remember that! God is my Father, I am his child, as I grow I will improve.
Oh my stars. I love your grandmother! Love that truth!
She was somebody special!!! She had a way to nip the whining quickly!
this is a great reminder. so much truth in that one “but.” i constantly find myself tripping over my “but’s” but it refreshing to see how God can redeem those situations. thanks!