If you have ever felt your support dwindling, it may be God’s way of telling you it’s time to move on. Then again, it may just be an obstacle that He wants you to push through and persevere. So, how do you know?

What are you willing to give up to maintain or acquire good relationships? Are you willing to sacrifice for the sake of peace and give up your rights in order to reconcile?

Sometimes God chooses to intervene for us and sometimes He chooses not to. But in both instances, He is acting on our behalf, for our good and His glory.

God chose to withhold His hand of protection towards David as a punishment for his sin. But He did not withdraw His protection completely or forever. He still had favor on David and took care of him until everything was restored back to him.

Are you brave enough to pray for His will in your life? Do you have the courage to give yourself over to Him fully? David was exiled from the city he built, dethroned by his own son, separated from the ark of God, cursed by Saul’s descendants, and his people were turning against Him. Through it all, David trusted God’s will for his life.

Sometimes when we are conflicted, it’s easier to just dismiss our feelings and try not to think about it. But this seldom ever works and usually only makes matters worse. Even though it is hard, we need to take it to God and let Him help us sort it out and find the right course of action.

Everyone is tempted. That is not the sin. Even Jesus was presented with temptation. It is what we do with the temptation that matters. When we allow ourselves to dwell on sinful desires, it is almost inevitable that we will eventually give in to that temptation. The desire must be defeated while it is still in our minds, or it will inevitably result in action. Then, once we have made up our minds to sin, we will go to great lengths to satisfy that desire.

From the very first sin of man, we have instinctively known that our sin must be covered. When Adam and Eve sinned, they tried to hide from God but were unsuccessful. Ultimately, the Lord sacrificed the first animal for their sin and covered them with its skin. David successfully hid his sin from the people, but God sent Nathan to confront him, letting him know that he had not hid it from God. Then, David begged for mercy and ultimately hid himself in the Lord. Today, we all seek to cover our sin, but ironically enough, it can only be hidden when we confess it and allow Jesus to hide it with His blood.

David was forgiven and redeemed after committing adultery and murder. So, how could we ever feel like our sins are too great to receive God’s forgiveness or like we can’t be redeemed and restored?

David was called a man after God’s own heart, yet he broke 3 of the Ten Commandments in one setting. In this lesson, we will read about David’s sin and the consequences he suffered because of it. But when confronted with his sin, David repents and puts all his faith in God. His hope is in Him, but he also accepts the consequences of his actions.

When you feel trapped or under threat, worried or afraid, overwhelmed or powerless: be strong; face the situation head-on; do what needs to be done; trust God to do what is best. No amount of worry or fear can change your situation. But God has the power to help. So, give it over to Him. There is no one better to trust with your life.