David is one of the key figures in the Bible. Most of us are inspired by his victory over Goliath, his tender friendship with Jonathan, his worshipful Psalms, and his enduring patience under wicked King Saul.

It is interesting to note that as much as God used David mightily, he was a man with weaknesses just as we are. For instance, he coveted Uriah’s wife (2 Samuel 11:2-3) committed adultery with her (2 Samuel 11:4), and murdered Uriah so that he could have Bathsheba as his wife (2 Samuel 12:9). When the prophet Nathan confronts David for his depravity, he immediately repents and confesses his sin. 

Do you relate to David’s situation? Have you ever been caught up in sin and wondered how life would be after that? Here are some lessons we can learn from David’s life:

1.Acknowledge and confess our sins 

David had a repentant heart. He realized that he had only sinned against man but also God. The Bible in Psalms 51:1-2 says, have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. We need to put away our pride, repent our sin, and plead for God’s mercy.

2.Admit our longing and hunger for fellowship with God

While he was separated from God David withered and he longed for the joy of the Lord once again. We live in a world where we long for many things including wealth, education, knowledge, power, success, etc. We learn from David that true satisfaction comes from having a relationship with God. Our desire should be to deepen our relationship with God.

3.Pray for restoration 

David prayed for a pure heart and a willing spirit. Can we be pure again once we have been corrupted? The answer is Yes. Jesus died for our sins and he desires to forgive us, no matter what we have done. David prayed that God will “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).

4.True Repentance

God forgives our sins when we honestly repent. However, God’s forgiveness does not save us from the consequences of our conduct, but if we have abandoned our wayward behavior and are willing to accept the consequences, God will still use us. When the son David and Bathsheba bore got sick and died, even after David praying, fasting, and mourning, David accepted the outcome as God’s judgment. We should always remember that sin has consequences.

5.Watch your words and heart

David prayed in Psalm 19:14, Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. We need to be careful with what we harbour in our hearts as words and thoughts will influence our character.

God is willing to work in us and through us if we repent and avail ourselves to Him. May we desire to please God and live for Him.

Prayer

Our Father we thank you for your unconditional love towards us. Thank you for forgiving our sins and helping us in our areas of weakness. We commit our lives to you and pray that you would take control and lead us in the way we should go. Guide our steps so that we may not go astray. This is our prayer of faith through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.