Lesson 16
2 Samuel 12:
19 When David saw that his servants were whispering, David perceived that the child was dead. Therefore David said to his servants, "Is the child dead?" And they said, "He is dead."

20 So David arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house; and when he requested, they set food before him, and he ate.

21 Then his servants said to him, "What is this that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive, but when the child died, you arose and ate food."

22 And he said, "While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, "Who can tell whether the LORD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?'

23 But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me."

Solomon Is Born
24 Then David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in to her and lay with her. So she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. Now the LORD loved him,

25 and He sent word by the hand of Nathan the prophet: So he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD

Once a grief has passed, it is time to move on. David understood the principle of moving on. Though his mistake was enormous, he refused to let it destroy him and his house.

It was enough that he lost a son. It was enough that he lost trust in the eyes of others. It was enough he had lost a great friend. He wept and repented deeply and then moved on. He survived his change.

ACT!
Take a horrible mistake of your life. Repent thoroughly. Weep deeply. Trust God completely. Move on.

PRAY!
Father, I have sinned. You know where I have sinned. Here it is, Father. Forgive me. Grace me. Encourage me. Let my weeping rip out the vestiges of wrong desire. Change me in the closet of prayer and repentance and weeping. Then help me move on.

copyright 2000-1, Philip A. Larson

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