Desires

[From July 8, 2013]

"I anointed you king over Israel, and I rescued you from the hand of Saul; I gave you your master's house, and your master's wives into your bosom, and gave you the house of Israel & Judah; and if that had been too little, I would have added as much more."

(2 Samuel 12:8)

Just about everyone knows the sordid story of David & Bathsheba.  Adultery has always been a factor in human society.  Our sexual desires/appetites are strong.  Oftentimes passion seems to trump commitment - in the "heat of the moment" it's hard to think clearly.  Modern day cinema & novels speak of "soul mates" and "true love," often surpassing current relationships.

But David knew what he was doing.  As King, he was the one in power and the instigator of this particular encounter.  Failure to control his impulses led to further deception and ultimately murder.  So God sent David's "pastor" to confront him via parable (2 Sam. 12:1-4).  David immediately saw the injustice in the parable, but needed Nathan to connect the dots to his own life.

What struck me as I reread this difficult passage today is that God would ahve given David more, had he but asked (v.18)!  We all have challenges with impulse control.  But instead of trying to "man up" and handle it ourselves, why not take those needs to God first?  Whether it's sexual frustration, financial challenges, relationship issues, etc.  Tell God our heart's desires and allow Him to shape and correct and provide whatever it is we need most.