David Experiences Happiness And Relief From Guilt

Commentary

The emphasis in this passage is on God’s care for his restored child (vv. 6-7). As long as David was out of God’s will, everything worked against him. But when he confessed his sins he was restored to fellowship with God and he could rejoice. This does not mean that God would shelter him from  difficulties. In fact, David had to face some real heart-breaking problems in the years that followed.

David certainly reaped a bitter harvest from the seeds he had sown. His son Absalom rebelled and tried to take the kingdom from him. His son Amnon raped his half sister and was then murdered by his brother Absalom. Then later Absalom was slain. The Lord promises to guide His children and in turn demands their compliance with His will (vv. 8-9). In His grace forgives us of our sins when we confess them (I John 1:9) but we still must reap what we have sown. David progressed from sin to joy (vv. 8-11). Not only did he find relief in forgiveness but real joy in fellowship with the Lord.

The Bible is full of principles which if heeded will keep us from making foolish and sometimes fatal choices. God describes some people as being like horses or mules that have to be controlled by bits and bridles. When God has spoken on a subject there is no need to look any further for guidance. An example of this would be a born-again Christian who is looking for a business partner. Someone comes along with plenty of capital, great ideas and a charming personality but he is not a believer who offers to come into the partnership. What should the believer do? God has spoken on this subject when he said, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.” That should be the final answer. God does want to guide us but He can only do it through His Word (v. 8).

Application

If the Lord is to guide me I must stay close to Him. I can do that by keeping my Bible open and my eyes ever looking to Him.