Dear Friends,

David had made a mistake—a huge mistake. He had allowed himself to be goaded by the evil one to do what he knew was wrong. One of his trusted commanders even questioned his decision, but David didn’t listen. When God punished Israel for David’s sin, he could have tried to convince himself that the consequence was just a coincidence. But he knew that God knew what he had done. There was no denying his sin.

Then David said to God, “I have sinned greatly by doing this. Now, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing” (1 Chronicles 21:8).

It is to David’s credit that he admitted he had sinned and took responsibility. But that did not eliminate the consequences. Can you imagine the guilt David must have felt when he had to choose the punishment his people would endure for his mistake?

Choices—sins—carry consequences that impact others. Tragically, those you love the most are often the ones who are hurt the most. How much heartache could you alleviate if you prayed before you acted?

Prayer Suggestion: God, have mercy on me, a sinner.