Dear Friends and Family,

READ 2 SAMUEL 16:1 THROUGH 18:33

A young boy was angry with his sister and stole her favorite doll, which was stuffed with corn kernels. He buried it and denied any knowledge of the doll’s disappearance. That was until a small patch of corn plants in the shape of a doll sprouted.

David’s sin in secret was now in full bloom—just as Nathan had prophesied in 2 Samuel 12:11: “Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you.” David’s son Absalom had declared himself the king.

David knew God had forgiven his sin even as the consequences of that sin unfolded in front of him. His hope in God didn’t waver.

“It may be that the Lord will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today” (2 Samuel 16:12).

Even when you are dealing with the consequences of our own choices, you can look to God in hope that His promises never fail. David understood God’s mercy, and trusted that God cared about his misery. He focused his hope on God’s love for him even in the middle of the crisis.

Thought for Today: Hold tight to the promises of God.