SCRIPTURE
"Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. And when he asked, they set food before him, and he ate." (2 Samuel 12:20)
OBSERVATION
David's affair with Bathsheba resulted in her pregnancy and her husband's murder (by the hand of David). As a consequence, the child died seven days after he was born. Up to the point David did not eat and was lying on the ground seeking God on behalf of the child. The servants were afraid to tell David the child had died for fear he may harm himself. However, David saw them whispering and knew what it meant. His reaction surprised them. He got up, cleaned up, and went to worship. His explanation, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, 'Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.'" (12:22-23) David sought God in prayer until there was nothing more he could do.
APPLICATION
I need to pray as long as there is hope. Until there is nothing more that can be done. David's question is often my question, "Who knows?" Who knows if God will be gracious and grant my request? I certainly don't. That's why I need to keep praying. God's silence keeps me close to him. That sounds strange but it is true. Seeking him in prayer, in the midst of hard situations, is a way to grow in my relationship with him. My job is to pray persistently trusting God for the outcome.
PRAYER
Lord, I thank you that you allow me to wrestle with the things of life through prayer. There is always hope for you to graciously answer.
