David's Experience with Child Loss - Part 3

Training for Today: Cross-train for 40 minutes

Devotion: David's Experience with Child Loss - Part 3

Despite his pleading with God, David lost his son on the seventh day. David was not aware of the death right away, but his servants knew. They were afraid to tell David the news out of fear that he might do something desperate. Read what happened next in 2 Samuel 12:19-20:


“David noticed that his servants were whispering among themselves and he realized the child was dead. “Is the child dead?” he asked. “Yes,” they replied, “he is dead.” Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate.”

Does David’s thinking seem a little backwards to you? Wouldn’t you think the news of his son’s death would cause David to stay on the ground even longer? Forget hygiene, lotion, and fashion! Forget going out of the house! And, good grief, forget food!

What David demonstrates for us in these verses is a turning point. His actions speak of acceptance. They speak of being active in the Lord. And, they speak of being so confident in the Lord’s bidding that David was relaxed enough to eat.

Have you reached this point of acceptance? Have you taken on an attitude of resignation to God’s will and a response to His call of action? Let’s follow David into the house of the Lord and worship! For in God’s great wisdom, your child is at peace in heaven. And, in God’s great wisdom, you are still here as an instrument of that peace for others around you! As we sing in Psalm 85, I will hear what the Lord proclaims, peace to his people!

Prayer
Dear Lord, forgive me for the times I stay on the ground in my grief. Fill me with the news of your death and resurrection! Use me as an instrument of your peace, Lord! Amen.