Where Is God in This?Chikamu

In 2 Samuel 11, we learn that David wanted Bathsheba, which was inconvenient because Bathsheba was married to Uriah. But David wanted what he wanted, so he took Bathsheba for his own and slept with her, claiming her for himself. Then, as is typical with sin, David had to do a little more sinning to aid him in further sinning. But this sin cycle eventually led David to have Uriah murdered.

Well, dang. That escalated quickly. David didn’t make excuses for his sins, as we’re often tempted to do. “Well, she was parading around on the roof taking baths! She’s a tease! What was I supposed to do? I’m a dude, all right? That’s just how we are!” No, David immediately repented and asked for forgiveness. David went on to write numerous psalms about the goodness, love, and mercy of God. But most telling, God chose to make Jesus a direct descendant of David. I’d say David recovered just fine.

The lesson we learn from David’s story is that admitting our failures is the fastest way to begin recovery. And not just admitting them but also doing something different. In other words, not repeating the failure over and over again. Not blaming our failures on someone or something else. But owning them and their consequences. That’s key. When we experience the consequences of our failures, we sometimes feel as if God is punishing us, making us suffer. But that’s not how God works.

There are, however, natural consequences to our actions. You’ve heard the saying, “You reap what you sow.” If you are unfaithful to your partner and they leave you? That’s a natural consequence. If you overspend and can’t get approved for a mortgage? That’s a natural consequence. If you spend half your workday on Instagram and don’t get new opportunities at work? That’s a natural consequence.

I'm sorry if you’re experiencing the consequences of a failure right now. I’ve been there, and it sucks. It’s OK to say that it’s uncomfortable. Maybe embarrassing. Definitely frustrating. But like David, ask God to meet you in your mess.

Ask God what you can learn from your mistakes. What can you do to move toward recovery today?