David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.
–1 Samuel 18:14
Soon after David became King, he made plans to bring the sacred Ark of the Covenant back home.
The first time he tried, he neglected to follow God’s instructions for moving the Ark and a man died. The second time, David’s dancing was so exuberant that his own queen was embarrassed at his lack of decorum.
He fell in love with another man’s wife, got her pregnant, and had her husband killed.
His parenting skills were severely lacking: one of his sons raped one of his daughters. Another son spent years plotting revenge, then stirred up a rebellion and staged a coup.
Yet God called David “a man after His own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). How is this possible?
David wasn’t perfect and he knew it. Every time he sinned and fell short of God’s plan for him, he sincerely repented, taking whatever punishment God gave and asking for forgiveness.
And God, as He always does, answered the sinner’s prayer, forgave freely, and wiped the record clean. All that remained in God’s eyes was that “David behaved wisely in all his ways.”
God never changes. He is ready and willing to be with you as He was with David all those years ago. Are you ready for that, too?
Prayer
Loving Lord, Please help me to behave myself wisely in all things. And when I fail and fall, please guide me to humble myself and ask Your forgiveness. I want nothing more than for You to be with me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Reflection
What are some things I have done when I did not behave wisely? Have I humbled myself and asked God to forgive past shortcomings?