Reading

• 2 Sam. 12:18-31; 8:2-4, 7-8, 5-6
• 1 Chron. 18:12-13
• 2 Sam. 8:9-12
• 1 Chron. 11:10-11
• 2 Sam. 23:9-17
• 1 Chron. 11:20-47

Devotional

Seven days after his birth, the child of David and Bathsheba died, as the LORD had spoken. After hearing this news David got up from the floor where he had been lying and fasting. He bathed and went to the house of the LORD and worshiped GOD. David was not angry at GOD but rather acknowledged that the child’s death was a consequence of David’s sin.

After these things David resumed conquest of the surrounding Canaanite nations. After each victory David would plunder their goods and he would dedicate some of it to the LORD. “The LORD gave David victory everywhere he went.” (1 Chron. 18:13) David always remembered that it was because of GOD that he had success in life—in battle and within his kingdom. This is a very important lesson for us to learn because it is still true today. Any success that we have is only given to us because GOD has allowed it. However, just because we might be successful in life it doesn’t mean that GOD is pleased with us. We see people all around us who are both rich and wicked.

What is important is our relationship with GOD. When we have Him, and we walk with Him and in His ways, we can know that our blessings are from above. People have a tendency to forget GOD the more successful we become. When times are bad we recognize our need for Him. Let’s not forget that we need GOD just as much when we are on the mountain top as we do when we are in the valley. There is very, very little in life that we can control. And even still, our life is but a vapor which tomorrow is gone.