Lessons On Living

[airIam2worship]

Sister,

I am convinced that God richly blesses those who love and fear HIM. So, it stands to reason that the strongest bonds of love and friendship are formed between Brothers and Sisters in Christ who truly do love and fear God. The same is true for a Godly marriage. Some might have questions about the term "fear", but it is Biblical.
Love In Christ,
Tom

Matthew 1:23 NASB  "BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "GOD WITH US."

Brother, you are so right people think of the word fear to mean just being afraid of something. In my opinion the word fear when used in referance to God, is a good wholesome, fear (respect, awe, love, honor, desireing to please), it has much more meaning. When you love the Lord you learn to fear the Lord. When you love and fear the Lord you learn to love your fellowmen. I hope you understand it's easy to explain, but at the same time it's hard to express. People who do are not born again can't imagine just how different things can be. I feel a special closeness with other Christians, and that is the way it should be.

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 1 Samuel 20:3 Psalms 34:6-7 1 Samuel 18:6-8

Living on the Edge

1 Samuel 20:3

Then David took an oath again, and said, "Your father certainly knows that I have found favor in your eyes, and he says, ‘Do not let Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved.’ But truly, as the Lord lives and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death."

Living on the Edge

Some people live on the edge because they choose to. They bungee jump, sky dive and engage in other extreme sports just for the thrill of it. Others live on the edge not by choice, but because circumstances have placed them in dangerous places.

David fell into this latter category. He had sought to serve Saul faithfully and defend his country and his king with passion. But his success in these efforts only managed to arouse the king’s jealousy. When women came out of the cities singing David’s praises (1 Sam. 18:6-8), Saul became enraged and began to plot to do away with the young man he now viewed as a threat to his throne. David soon found himself only one step ahead of a king who was trying to kill him. But in the midst of these circumstances, David knew that God was with him and would preserve him (Ps. 34:6).

Many Christians today also live on the edge. They live in countries where the penalty for being a Christian is death. They live in nations where famine is claiming the lives of thousands. They live in drug-infested neighborhoods where drive-by shootings and gang killings are commonplace. Yet they also can claim God’s presence and protection (Ps. 34:7).

Perhaps you live on the edge. Though your life is not in danger, you may be living on the edge in terms of your job, your family or your marriage. Perhaps you feel that at any moment one or more of these could fall apart and leave you helpless. Put your trust in the God of David. Let Him provide what you need to move away from the edge.

Christ can take the edge out of living.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 1 Samuel 22:1-2

Company of the Unfit

1 Samuel 22:1-2

David therefore departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. And when his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him.

Company of the Unfit

When Gen. George Washington gathered his armies to fight against the redcoats, they came from every conceivable walk of life. Some were frontiersmen, while others were merchants, farmers and even slaves. But the overwhelming majority had one thing in common: they were not trained soldiers. Most of them had shot nothing bigger than wild game. Yet in spite of that glaring deficiency, they took on the disciplined regiments of British regulars, and after a seven-year struggle they won.

David’s army also was a ragtag band of misfits. Those who were in trouble, in debt or simply discontented were drawn to him. A more motley group of outcasts would be hard to find—hardly a fit army for a would-be king. Yet despite their many shortcomings, God used them ultimately to bring David to the throne.

God delights in accomplishing His will through those the world considers unfit. He always has been attracted to people who will make themselves available and let Him do the rest. He took a schemer like Jacob and made him the father of Israel. He took an escaped fugitive like Moses and made him a fearless liberator. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that He was able to take a group of unlikely malcontents and debtors and use them to establish a shepherd boy like David as king over Israel. Imagine what He can do with you and me.

Are you ill-equipped for the task that God has called you to? Then rejoice, because that means you have the primary qualification God is looking for. If you are willing to be used, God will do the rest.

God can make the unfit fit for His plans.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

 Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: Psalms 91:1-2 1 Samuel 22:21-23

Safe Refuge

1 Samuel 22:21-23

And Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the Lord’s priests. So David said to Abiathar, "I knew that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have caused the death of all the persons of your father’s house. Stay with me; do not fear. For he who seeks my life seeks your life, but with me you shall be safe."

Safe Refuge

In 1939 the Nazis began their program of Jewish extermination in Poland. In the midst of the destruction, Oskar Schindler, a most unlikely hero, opened his Emalia factory in Krakow, which produced enamel goods and munitions to supply the German front. As the Nazis began in earnest the removal of Jews to death camps, Schindler was able to rescue 1,300 Jewish men and women to work in his factory. By designating their skills as "essential" and paying off the local authorities, Schindler provided a haven that kept these refugees alive through the Holocaust.

David provided this kind of refuge for Abiathar, son of the high priest Ahimelech. After Saul discovered that the priests of the city of Nob had given assistance to David, he killed not only them but also all the men, women, children and even the animals of the city. Abiathar himself would have been killed if Saul could have found him. In return for his father’s kindness, David offered Abiathar a place of refuge. With David and his army, Abiathar found safety.

Satan’s purpose for the human race includes the destruction of every living being, regardless of their age or gender. Only those who find a place of refuge can hope to survive. Like Schindler, like David, God provides such a place (Ps. 91:1-2). It’s in His Son, Jesus Christ. When we receive Him as our Savior, we are safe from the ravages of the evil one.

Are you safe in Christ? If so, give thanks to Him who provides such a refuge from the destruction brought by Satan. If not, trust Christ Jesus today and become secure in Him forever. In the midst of destruction, Jesus is a place of safety.

There is safety only in Jesus.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 1 Samuel 24:6-7

The Lord's Anointed

1 Samuel 24:6-7

And he said to his men, "The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord." So David restrained his servants with these words, and did not allow them to rise against Saul. And Saul got up from the cave and went on his way.

The Lord’s Anointed

Many motorists have had at least one encounter with the people whom truckers call "smokies." Their official name is the highway patrol. And when the red and blue lights on top of their car begin to flash, you know you had better pull over. Whether you have any personal affection for the person behind the badge or not, you still have to respect his position. He has been given the authority to enforce the rules of the road, and your feelings have nothing to say about it.

David had the same attitude toward Saul. It must have been difficult to muster any feeling of devotion for a man who was trying to kill him. Furthermore, the king’s motives and actions were often irrational. Still, Saul had not been removed from his position as the king of Israel. As a result, David had to treat Saul with honor as God’s anointed leader even though he could not approve of his actions. The position deserved respect whether or not the man did.

As we interact with pastors and other Christian leaders, there will be some with whom we might disagree theologically. Others may have methods that we think are inappropriate. Yet because they are individuals called to serve the Lord in a special way, we must respect their position even when we disagree with them personally.

If you are struggling to respect your pastor or another Christian leader, remember their position. You don’t have to agree with them, but you do have to treat them with the consideration due their calling.

If you can’t respect the person, respect the position.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

 Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: Romans 5:8 1 Samuel 24:17-18

Giving Good for Evil

1 Samuel 24:17-18

Then [Saul] said to David: "You are more righteous than I; for you have rewarded me with good, whereas I have rewarded you with evil. And you have shown this day how you have dealt well with me; for when the Lord delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me."

Giving Good for Evil

A gentleman who had held many important positions in public life went to a friend in great anger over a real injury he had received from a prominent politician. He was considering how to react resentfully in the most effective manner. After relating the particulars to his friend, he asked if it would be manly to resent it. "Yes," replied his friend, "it would doubtless be manly to resent it, but it would be godlike to forget it."

David chose to let God be his example. When Saul entered a cave to attend to his needs, he didn’t know that David and his 400 men were hiding in the recesses of that cavern. David had him at a severe disadvantage and his men urged him to seize the opportunity to take revenge on his enemy. But David refused. Rather than seeking to repay Saul for the evil he had done him, he secretly cut off a piece of Saul’s robe (as proof of what he could have done) and allowed the king to leave without knowing how close he had been to death. Only later did Saul realize the mercy David had shown.

God’s way is to show mercy rather than extract vengeance. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Even while we were God’s enemies, He had compassion for us and provided a way of salvation.

Are you thinking about getting even with someone? Don’t do it. Try God’s way instead. Return good for evil. Someday you’ll be glad you did.

Evil for evil is man’s way; good for evil is God’s way.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 1 Samuel 26:23

God's Payday

1 Samuel 26:23

"May the Lord repay every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the Lord delivered you into my hand today, but I would not stretch out my hand against the Lord’s anointed."

God’s Payday

After serving for 40 years on the African mission field, Henry C. Morrison returned home by boat. On that same boat, returning from one of his big-game hunts in Africa, was Theodore Roosevelt. Upon docking in New York, President Roosevelt received a great fanfare. Bands were playing, crowds were excitedly trying to get a glimpse of the famous president, and reporters were there to take down his every word. No one, however, was there to meet Henry Morrison and his wife. As he left the docks, he felt quite dejected. After all, Morrison thought, I should get some recognition for forty years in the Lord’s service. It was then that his wife reminded him, "But Henry, you’re not home yet."

David knew that God someday will repay every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness. This realization prevented David from slaying Saul when he had the chance. He could have taken advantage of Saul’s helplessness, but instead he did what was right. David chose the way of righteousness and faithfulness.

You can be sure that God is no man’s debtor. When we walk in righteousness and faithfulness, we can be sure that God will repay. It may happen on earth, but most certainly our greatest rewards will be when we get to heaven. If we seek to do what is right in God’s sight and to serve Him faithfully wherever He calls us, we can safely leave the rewards to Him. God will never disappoint us.

If you are discouraged by a lack of recognition or appreciation, remember that God will repay your righteousness and faithfulness. Even if He waits until you get to heaven, you can be confident that someday will be payday. Remember, you aren’t home yet!

God will have a payday someday.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:12 Jeremiah 1:6 Joshua 14:6-14 2 Samuel 5:3-4

Age is No Excuse

2 Samuel 5:3-4

So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord. And they anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.

Age Is No Excuse

Someone once defined middle age as "a brief period of time between being too young to do something and being too old to want to." And there’s truth to that. It seems we spend the first part of our lives being told, "No, you’re too young to date. You’re too young to drive. You’re too young to get married." Then we spend the latter years of our lives being told, "No, you’re too old to start a new career. You’re too old to go back to school. You’re too old to live alone." In American society, age is often a critical factor.

I suspect when David began to reign at the age of 30 some said, "David, you’re too young to be king. We need someone older." By the time he had ruled for 40 years and reached the respectable age of 70, others were probably saying, "David, you’re too old to be king over Israel. It’s time to turn it over to someone younger." But in God’s sight, age is not really an issue.

Scripture indicates that God uses the very young. The prophet Jeremiah said, "Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth" (Jer. 1:6), but God used him anyway. Timothy, too, must have ministered at a very young age, because Paul admonished him, "Let no one despise your youth" (1 Tim. 4:12). On the other hand, there were men like Caleb, who at the age of 85 could still claim, "I wholly followed the Lord" (Josh. 14:6-14). The apostle John continued to minister and, according to tradition, wrote the Book of Revelation in his elder years.

Is someone telling you that you’re too young to serve the Lord? Don’t believe it. Is someone telling you that you’re too old to respond to God’s call? Forget it. With God, age is never an excuse. Don’t follow their advice; follow your heart.

Age is no issue with an ageless God.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:18-29 2 Samuel 7:12-13

Dealing With Disappointments

2 Samuel 7:12-13

"When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever."

Dealing With Disappointments

Two paraplegics were in the news at about the same time. Kenneth Wright, 24, was a high school football star and later an avid wrestler. A broken neck sustained in a wrestling match in 1979 left him paralyzed from the chest down. The former athlete prevailed upon two friends to take him in his wheelchair to a wooded area where they left him alone with a twelve-gauge shotgun. After they left, he committed suicide.

The second paraplegic was Jim McGowan. At the age of 19, Jim was stabbed and also left paralyzed from his chest down. But he made news when he successfully completed a parachute jump. Jim lives alone, cooks his meals, washes his clothes and cleans his house. He has written three books, and he did the photography for America’s first book on the history of wheelchair sports. Two men with major disappointments: one chose to view life positively, the other didn’t.

David also had a major disappointment. He had his heart set on building a house for the Lord. But God said no. David could not, but his son Solomon would. David chose to respond to that disappointment by focusing on the positive. He thanked and praised God for the good things He was going to do in his life and that of his family (2 Sam. 7:18-29).

Disappointments always give us a choice. We can concentrate on what’s wrong, or we can find the silver lining. One way leads to despair, the other to fulfillment.

Are you focusing on the negative? Look instead at the way God is blessing you in spite of that disappointment. See His hand of good in everything that happens to you—even if it’s different from what you planned.

What you focus on is what you get.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:2-13 2 Samuel 9:1

Show a Little Kindness

2 Samuel 9:1

Now David said, "Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?"

Show a Little Kindness

Kindness thinks of others. British statesman and financier Cecil Rhodes, whose fortune was used to endow the world-famous Rhodes Scholarships, was a stickler for correct dress—but apparently not at the expense of someone else’s feelings. A young man invited to dine with Mr. Rhodes arrived by train and had to go directly to his host’s home in his travel-stained clothes. Once there, he was embarrassed to find the other guests already assembled, wearing full evening dress. After what seemed a long time, Rhodes appeared in a shabby blue suit. Later the young man learned that his host had been dressed in evening clothes but had put on the old suit when he heard of his young guest’s dilemma.

As David settled into his role as king, his thoughts also turned to others. He remembered his treasured friendship with Jonathan, who had died in battle along with his father, Saul, and his brothers. David yearned to do something to show kindness toward his beloved friend. To his delight, he found Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, and welcomed him as one of his family (2 Sam. 9:2-13). Instead of focusing on his own comforts, David demonstrated the importance of kindly thinking of others.

Everyone needs a little kindness. Whether it’s the checkout girl at the grocery store, the counter server at the fast-food restaurant or the person sharing the pew with you at church, a kind word or a thoughtful deed can brighten their day. Many people labor under heavy loads. Our kindness can mean so much to them. Don’t withhold a kind deed when it’s in your means to do it.

Have you had a kindness shown to you? If so, pass it on. Don’t let it stop with you when you have the power to lighten another person’s load. Make it a point to show kindness to someone today.

Kindness may not bring fortune, but it never brings regrets.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 2 Samuel 11:2-3

Beware the Sinkhole

2 Samuel 11:2-3

Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold. So David sent and inquired about the woman. And someone said, "Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?"

Beware the Sinkhole

In December 1985 an enormous sinkhole swallowed a house and carport and forced the evacuation of four homes in a retirement community in Florida. The hole was about the size of a pickup truck when it was discovered. Within three hours it had grown to 30 by 40 feet and had swallowed half of a small house. Two hours later it had expanded to more than 70 feet, and the house with its carport was gone. Authorities were grateful that it finally stopped growing without doing even more damage.

David discovered that sin is like an ever-expanding sinkhole. As he was walking on the flat roof of his palace, he saw a beautiful woman bathing. Instead of turning away, he stared longingly at her. At this point the sinkhole was small but expanding. When he inquired about who she was, the hole grew larger. And finally, when he sent for her (v. 4), he soon found himself and those around him swallowed up. What started out as only a look ended in tragedy for all involved.

The best solution for avoiding the danger of a sinkhole is to stay far away from it. The same is true for sin. A lingering look, a carnal curiosity and the sinkhole of sin can rapidly expand. And once it starts to grow, the damage can be extensive. Your marriage, your morals and even your relationship with the Lord can be swallowed by its gaping mouth. Before you even have time to realize what’s happening, everything you value might be gone.

Don’t lose what’s important to you down a sinkhole. Flee sin before it can swallow you and those you love. The farther away you stay from sin, the safer you are.

The sinkhole of sin is never satisfied.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: Romans 5:8 2 Samuel 12:13

Confess Your Sins

2 Samuel 12:13

So David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the Lord." And Nathan said to David, "The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die."

Confess Your Sins

Early in 1993 British police accused two ten-year-old boys of the brutal murder of two-year-old James Bulger. The two boys pleaded their innocence. During the two-week trial the young defendants responded to questioning with noticeable inconsistencies. The climax of the trial came when the parents of one of the boys assured him that they would always love him. Bolstered by the realization that he would not lose his parents’ love, the boy confessed in a soft voice, "I killed James."

David realized that he, too, was caught red-handed in his crimes. What he had been able to hide from his friends and family was revealed to the all-seeing eyes of an all-knowing God. David would face humiliation and sorrow. His family would be afflicted and the whole nation would suffer because of his sins. Yet what sustained him through the whole ordeal was the assurance that he had not lost God’s love. He would face consequences, but upon confession he was forgiven and received back into fellowship with his Heavenly Father again.

The most amazing truth about God’s love is that He knows how wicked we are, yet He loves us (Rom. 5:8). We can confess our most evil deeds to Him and still be confident that His love will not diminish. That does not mean that confession should be viewed as an "easy out" for our sins. It’s not a safety net that gives us the liberty to sin with abandon. Confession removes the guilt of sin, but it doesn’t remove sin’s consequences. It’s a comfort to know, however, that when we’ve "blown it," God still loves us.

If you’re buried beneath a load of sin, perhaps you feel that God’s love is beyond you. Satan may even have you convinced that God has turned His back on you. But that simply isn’t so. After adultery and murder, God still forgave David, and He will forgive you as well. Confess your sins and receive God’s love today.

God’s love is deeper than our sin.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 2 Samuel 16:22-23 2 Samuel 13:14 1 Kings 11:3 2 Samuel 12:18

The Sins of the Father

2 Samuel 12:18

Then on the seventh day it came to pass that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead. For they said, "Indeed, while the child was still alive, we spoke to him, and he would not heed our voice. How can we tell him that the child is dead? He may do some harm!"

The Sins of the Father

The consequences of sin frequently affect more than just the one who is sinning. Unfortunately, children are often the victims. Some years ago a study was done at Harvard University that found six out of every ten juvenile delinquents had fathers who drank to excess, and many had mothers who did the same. Researchers also discovered that three out of four delinquents had parents who showed no interest in appropriate discipline. Four out of five had parents who took no interest in their children’s friends or amusements. Many wayward children came from broken homes, and few had religious training of any kind.

This same scenario played itself out in David’s life as well. It’s true that David suffered humiliation and shame. But he was not the only one to bear the consequences of his behavior. Sexual sin plagued his family. His son Amnon committed incest by force with his half-sister Tamar (2 Sam. 13:14). Absalom sexually humbled his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel (16:22-23). Even Solomon, in his latter years, had his heart turned away from the Lord by his 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3). It is apparent that David’s sin found fertile soil in the lives of his children.

Even though our children must bear the responsibility for the sinful choices they make, our behavior as parents can strongly influence them in one direction or the other. When we justify sin in our lives, it is all the easier for those who look to us as examples to do the same.

If you are tempted to sin, remember that the consequences of your transgression can ripple down through the generations that follow. Ask yourself, Is it really worth it?

There is no such thing as private sin.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 2 Samuel 15:13-14 2 Samuel 13:23 2 Samuel 15:1-7 2 Samuel 18:33

Beloved Betrayer

2 Samuel 15:13-14

And a messenger came to David, saying, "The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom." So David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, "Arise, and let us flee; or else we shall not escape from Absalom. Make haste to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly and bring disaster upon us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword."

Beloved Betrayer

Betrayal is difficult to accept. Benedict Arnold betrayed his friend George Washington and his country during the Revolutionary War. As a result, many lives were lost and his name has been synonymous with betrayal ever since. No matter how many noble deeds he accomplished during his life, he will always be remembered as a traitor to his country.

To be betrayed by a friend is hurtful; to be betrayed by a close family member is tragic. Yet that was the situation with David. Of all David’s sons, Absalom seemed to have the most going for him. He was a handsome man with long, flowing hair. He was a gifted communicator and a natural born leader (2 Sam. 15:1-6). In addition, he was a man of patience who was able to control himself until the opportune moment (13:23; 15:7). But he also allowed bitterness to fester in his heart until he turned against his father. In the end, he not only lost his life but also broke his father’s heart (18:33).

Everyone has trusts. They may involve our job, our church or our friends. We may disappoint people or even anger them when we betray our responsibilities to these institutions or individuals. But the greatest trusts we bear are those within our family. When we break our commitments to those who are our own flesh and blood, we create wounds that are extremely difficult to heal.

Keep your commitments to your family. Treat them as your commitments to God. If someone in your family feels you have betrayed him, go to that person and ask for forgiveness.

If commitments are not kept, they should not be made.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From David
Scripture: 2 Samuel 15:1-18:18 2 Samuel 13:1-14 2 Samuel 14:23-29 Ezekiel 33:11 2 Samuel 18:33

Death of a Child

2 Samuel 18:33

Then the king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept. And as he went, he said thus: "O my son Absalom—my son, my son Absalom—if only I had died in your place! O Absalom my son, my son!"

Death of a Child

The late Joe Bayly wrote about the death of the young from firsthand experience. He lost three children: one at 18 days, after surgery; another at 5 years, with leukemia; the third at 18 years, after a sledding accident complicated by mild hemophilia. Joe said, "Of all deaths, that of a child is most unnatural and hardest to bear." He did not underestimate the grief of parents. "When a child dies," he added, "part of the parents is buried."

David knew that experience. He had watched his young son Absalom grow up, the boy with the long, flowing hair. Perhaps he had been his favorite. Absalom had certainly shown great promise as a future leader, if not king, of Israel. Then came the tragic incident with Absalom’s sister Tamar and his half-brother Amnon (2 Sam. 13:1-14). The young man turned bitter and eventually murdered Amnon (14:23-29). Later he plotted a rebellion against his father, which almost succeeded (2 Sam. 15:1-18:18). Yet despite all that, David mourned his boy’s death as though he had been the perfect son. The death of a child is a catastrophic blow even if he has the heart of a rebel.

God understands the pain every parent feels when he or she loses a child. He Himself had to stand apart and watch His beloved Son die on the cross. He walked the same valley of deep sorrow as every grieving parent. And God understands as well when the one you sorrow for has been a wayward son or daughter. Ezekiel 33:11 says, "‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked.’" God grieves even when the wicked die.

If you are grieving for a child today, take comfort in God’s understanding. He will sustain you through each surge of sorrow. His loving arms will uphold you all along the way.

God is also a grieving parent.

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This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.

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