Stay at Home King

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. 2 Samuel 11:1 

David stayed home. Yes, a stay at home King. Kings were supposed to go off and lead their troops in battle during the spring. Kings were supposed to be out in front of trouble. Kings were supposed to be with their troops. King David stayed home. What happened next was devastating.

It was during this idle season that David found himself gazing at the neighbors wife and well, the downward spiral was awful. David wrecked himself, the family he betrayed and brought horrific consequences to his own family. There are always consequences for bad behavior. 

Today's story makes me think about all of those harmful things that I've experienced in my life when I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Being out of balance, out of position and out of line always leads to trouble. Someone once said idle hands are the devils workshop. Isolating yourself in a time when you should be connecting with others can lead to terrible things. Don't disengage from Gods purposes and allow the enemy to engage you. Don't alienate yourself when you should be integrating yourself. Don't stay home.

This story takes a turn for the better. After the prophet Nathan confronted David's behavior, he repented. He penned the words in psalm 51, "create in me a clean heart, oh Lord, and renew a steadfast spirit in me. Restore to me the joy of my salvation". Repentance is a powerful antidote.

Maybe you've isolated yourself from God's purposes and God's people. It's never too late to repent. Just tell the Lord that you want to get closer to the things that matter to Him. Don't stay home when you should be fighting for your friends, your family and your children. Find your way back to Jesus and follow Him today. He will bring your joy back!