The Bible is full of legendary stories that sometimes appear to be larger than life. These stories about real people who faced enormous trials and experienced tremendous victories also teach us everyday truths that can impact our own daily lives. As we look into the lives of some of these people, we’ll discover eternal truths that can help us remain faithful in the midst of our own difficult circumstances and trials. What we learn from their stories can help us to build legendary lives today! Throughout this series, check back each week for a new devotional that will help you further explore what the Bible has to say.

A Repentant Heart Matters

For July 17th

Here are three life lessons we all can learn from the story of David and Bathsheba:

1. Being at the right place at the right time.

2 Samuel 11:1 - "In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem."

As believers, it is important for us to be at the right place at the right time, as this will help us to walk in the will of God for our lives. David fell into sin because he was not at the place God wanted him to be at that particular time of the year. He was at home when he should have been at war, as it was the manner of kings at that time of the year. If he was at war, he wouldn't have come across Bathsheba having a bath, he would have been doing what God wanted him to do. But because he was at the wrong place, his eyes went on the wrong things and he lusted after her.

We should not forget to be in fellowship with other believers because when we are alone and away from God's presence we will become easy prey for the enemy.

2. You cannot hide your sins.

God knows every sin we have committed; there is nothing hidden from Him. The people around us might not know what we are doing, and we may convince ourselves that no one will be able to detect our sins, but our Heavenly Father who sees and knows all things has taken note of all our sins.

When we cover our sins the spirit of the Lord is grieved and this causes us to lose our spiritual gifts. If the Spirit is pricking your heart to correct something in your life, know this: your soul is precious. Heavenly Father wants you to be part of His eternal family.

David tried his very best to cover his sins from the people but he could not cover them from God. God sent the prophet Nathan to confront and convince David of the sins he had done. (2 Samuel 11:6-27)

Likewise in our lives today we should not hide our sins from God but be quick to come to Him, knowing that He knows everything even before we can talk to Him. What he wants from us is a repentant heart.

3. Repentance from sins

Repentance is very important for us as believers in Christ Jesus. Let us always be ready to repent from our sins and turn to God who is ever ready to forgive us of all our sins. Don't procrastinate about repentance because we don't know when the Lord will come. Repent of your sin today and ask God to forgive you of all your sins and decide to live for Christ from today onwards. He will give you the ability through His Spirit to live a holy and righteous life for the Lord.

David repented and asked God to forgive him. God forgave him and did not take the kingdom from him. David continued in his walk with God and was used mightily for the kingdom of God.

When we repent of our sins, God will restore us back to Himself. Our relationship with Him is unending, and He loves us more than we can love ourselves. God's love for us is unconditional. Don't live in sin, for God loves us. Remember He sent His Son to die for all our sins because He treasures us.

Reflection Questions: Is there some secret sin keeping you from a fulfilling life in Christ? Do you need to tell someone? If so who?
What will happen if I don't repent? How could my life be different if I did repent?
What can you learn by confessing your sins to the Lord?

Prayer Prompt: Dear Jesus, thank you for your mercy and grace in my life. I pray that you will forgive me of any sins that I am covering up. I come to you with a repentant heart and ask you to renew my spirit within me. Help me to live in step with your Holy Spirit and give me a heart after you only.