THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Lord, the psalmist David prayed to stay faithful in his relationship with You. His most heartbreaking fear was he would bring public shame to Your marvelous grace and doubts about Your redemptive powers. He staked his faith, his reputation—his life—that You could keep all who trust in You from being disgraced. We assured of this truth, but why do we see Christ followers do foolish things to disgrace themselves? Did the psalmist answer that question because he became a living example of God’s grace when a believer in God falls into sin. Is that why he added this warning, “but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others” (Psalm 25:3b)?

Scripture tells us You called David “a man after Your own heart,” (Acts 13:22). You forgave his offenses against You and elevated him as a national spiritual leader, yet in his weakened humanity, he yielded to adultery’s temptation.

Second Samuel 11 and 12 details the sordid story of the psalmist’s downfall. The greater his deception, the worse the matter became. Israel’s once mighty leader became the scorn of society. In humiliation and shame, he confessed the whole ugly affair. No more deceptions. No more half-truths. He came clean, repented, and pleaded for Your mercy. You forgave and restored him, but the spiritual and emotional price he paid was staggering. David is urging us to stay close to You, since You are our Shepherd who keeps us safe.

Lord, may we take to heart David’s lesson and stay close to You. Keep us from becoming too spiritually proud to think we’re too ‘holy’ to fail. We’re not.

Only Your grace, Lord, keeps Your followers from being disgraced. With a grateful heart, we humbly say, thank You Jesus for Your mercy and eternal life in Heaven. We may have to live with the consequences of our sin here, but You paid the price for them all on the cross. Lord, may Your grace always overwhelm and humble us.

Amen