Have you been watching the The Bible on the History Channel? We have and I consider it well done.
Last Sunday’s episode featured the story of King David—focusing on his illicit relationship with Bathsheba.
This is fair enough since the Bible itself reveals this part of David’s life in great detail, explaining how David’s flagrant sin impacted him, his nation and his legacy. David— the man who had slain Goliath, captured Jerusalem, silenced the Philistines, founded an eternal royal line, and was known for dancing in the streets—was brought down by lust.
Sin does damage—it always kills and destroys. David—who from childhood walked with God—lived a life that was marked with joy. However, that joy was destroyed while he was rebelliously walking in sin.
David was known for his exuberant joy—but sin took this joy away.
His determination to get right with God is transparently reported in Psalm 51. We looked at this last week—noting David’s deep anguish and repentant spirit. Our focus was on David’s promise to God that—once his joy was restored—he would teach transgressors God’s ways and convert sinners to Him (Psalm 51:13).
David knew that teaching others to avoid what he had done was the only way to make something good come out of all the damage that was done. I am motivated to keep up this blog for the same reason.
It is also a good reason to carefully consider Psalm 32—also written by David.
In Psalm 32, David’s perspective is different. He is looking back at the time he wrote Psalm 51 and rejoicing in the forgiveness and cleansing that God had brought to Him:
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit.
When I kept silent, my bones grew old
Through my groaning all the day long.
For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was turned into the drought of summer.
I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I have not hidden.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”
And You have taken away the guilt of my sin.
For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You
In a time when You may be found. Psalm 32:1-6
Sin does damage—it always kills and destroys. David—who from childhood walked with God—lived a life that was marked with joy. However, that joy was destroyed while he was rebelliously walking in sin.
God’s “hand was heavy” on him (v.4). Do you know that feeling?
When we are unable to overcome lust or are in the grip of this or any other life-dominating sin, we should not expect joy and peace. In fact, a lack of joy is a sign that we have taken a wrong turn.
David prayed, “Restore unto me the joy of your salvation” (Psalm 51:12). His joy was restored when he turned from his sin and got right with God. Is this the way it is with you?
