The Not-So-Perfect Shepherd

What if your worst mistake could be transformed into your greatest victory? David in the Bible is a perfect example.

When David first set eyes on Bathsheba, he was enamored of her. David’s flesh was simply weak, but one lustful look was all it took for a series of sins to unfold. After committing sexual sin with Bathsheba, even more sin followed. Sin is like ripples in a pond. Not only does our sin hurt us, but it hurts others. When Bathsheba became pregnant, David tried to cover up his sin by having her husband, Uriah, come home from war to be with her. But his plan didn’t work. Running out of options, David had Uriah sent to the front lines of battle, where he was killed (2 Samuel 11). After he had committed adultery and murder, it seemed David was a far cry from the shepherd boy he used to be.

Maybe you can relate. If so, there is Good News! When we sin, God doesn’t shun us from His presence. Instead, He pursues us. God sent a prophet named Nathan to help David realize the enormity of all that he had done. Although David had sinned greatly, he trusted God to forgive his iniquities and restore him, saying, “the sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God” (Psalm 51:17 NLT).

I’m grateful I can say the same. When God confronted me about a particular sin, He opened my eyes to truth. I began to realize that sin brings only shame instead of satisfaction. Although I always felt close to God in nature, I now find us just as intimate when I share my lowest moments with Him. Why? Because the most high God already knows our sin before we ever confess it, yet He loves it when we trust Him to restore our broken hearts. What about you? Do you long to surrender your own sin? Then go to God with your whole heart. His psalms are waiting to comfort your shattered heart.

Let’s pray: Dear God, though I have sinned greatly, nothing is greater than your love for me. Help me to know the depths of that love as I read the Psalms that David formed while drowning in his deepest sorrow. Our flesh is weak, but the power of the Holy Spirit is stronger. Let us overcome our failures by receiving forgiveness through Your Son, Jesus Christ. His finished work on the cross covers our every mistake. Thank You for being faithful when we are unfaithful. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.