Scripture
2 Samuel 24:17-“Then David spoke to the LORD when he saw the angel who was striking the people, and said, ‘Surely I have sinned, and I have done wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? Let Your hand, I pray, be against me and against my father’s house.’"
Observation
When I read through the life of David and his time leading as a king, David went through some serious lapses in both judgment and godliness, but David would always continue to seek the Lord out of the depths of his soul, from the beginning of his life to the very end.
In Life Change, we just went through Lesson 5, Living A Spirit-Filled Life. One of David’s experiences that really inspired and moved me was when toward the end of his reign David took a census against God’s will. David’s choice to count his soldiers revealed he was beginning to place more confidence in his troops than in the power of God.
So, the Lord dinged him then gave him his choice of punishment: Seven years of famine; Three months of fleeing from his enemies; or three days of pestilence (a contagious or infectious disease). David chose the epidemic. Once again demonstrating the “Devine dependency” that got him to the top. David said, “Please let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are great, but do not let me fall into the hand of man.” Whether in punishment OR provision, David knew that God is always the right choice. He still is. Living A Spirit-Filled Life is the ability to turn back to God ASAP.
Application
There always seems to be some great teaching and lessons that come out of David’s life, his songs, and psalms. I feel the same is true with our daily time spent with the Lord, talking with Him, listening to His gentle voice, and through our daily devotions. David wrote songs and spiritual psalms - we do this through our daily devotions.
When we talk about Spirit-Filled living I remember PW saying that before we can walk in the Holy Spirit, we must understand and know the Fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25) - Love, joy, peace, forbearance (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
In our Life Change textbook, it says, “Spirit-filled life is made evident by the fruit it produces. A daily infilling and an ongoing process.”
Prayer
Lord Jesus, as I read through today's devotions and what struck me is that my connection with You has to be an ongoing process because of how easily I stray. Help me Lord I pray to keep close to You and hang on to Your hand always. Alway talking with You and especially listening to You. In Jesus Name I Pray.
