Daily Devotions
What To Do When You've Blown It
Reading for May 5th: 1 Chronicles 20-23
And David said to God, "I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing. But now, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have acted very foolishly."
1 Chronicles 21:8
When is the last time you prayed a prayer like that?
David sinned in spite of the fact that he knew better. He sinned even though his general warned him about the stupidity of such an action. He allowed his pride to rule his heart and presumptuously sinned against God.
Indeed, he acted very foolishly.
What do you do when you've blown it like David?
1. Come clean. Don't make excuses for what you've done. Own up to it and confess it to God.
2. Accept the consequences. Just because God offers forgiveness doesn't mean the consequences will vanish away. Acceptance of guilt and true repentance will humbly lead one to accept whatever suffering is incurred by sin.
3. Move on. There's no use dwelling in the past. Once God has forgiven, it's forgiven. Use the experience as a tough lesson learned and resolve to do better.
Father, forgive us for our pride and foolish presumption and rebellion against you.
