David’s Sorrow

So David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.”

2 Samuel 12:13

David’s life was characterized by victory, both on the battlefield and in the chaotic world of ancient Israeli politics; though he had many enemies, he triumphed over them all. The one foe who almost defeated him, however, was the most dangerous one of all. It was himself.

David lost his personal struggle against lust and passion, committed adultery with Bathsheba, then arranged for the death of her husband, Uriah, and a subsequent cover-up of the scandal. But Nathan the prophet confronted David regarding his sin. The Bible says that godly sorrow produces repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10), and David’s sorrow and tender repentance led him back to God and restored his victory in life.

None of us likes being confronted and rebuked, but how wonderful of God to send us warnings and to give us a tender conscience. Has sin crept into your life and stolen your victory in Christ? Do you feel the Holy Spirit reproving you in your heart? Is a godly friend concerned about your behavior?

Godly sorrow and genuine repentance lead to spiritual victory.

Unconfessed sin is unforgiven sin, and unforgiven sin is the darkest, foulest thing on this sin-cursed earth.

D. L. MOODY