Devotional - March 20, 2004

It seems David was in the desert when he wrote Psalm 63. He wrote, "My soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water."

There was no doubt that David loved the Lord. Why, in this chapter alone he states, "I will praise you as long as I live; On my bed I remember you; I sing in the shadow of your wings; I stay close to you." (Vs. 4,6,7,8) How could this possibly be the same person who time and time again disappointed God by his grievous sin?

The Bible says that even though David was a horrific sinner, he was a man after God's heart. (1Sa 13:14) That should give hope to those of us who have trusted the Lord Jesus as Lord just to disappoint him time and time again by worshiping at the altar of the gods of this world.

When David was anointed by the prophet, he pledged his life to serving God. When we ask Jesus to be Lord over our life, don't we pledge the same thing? We make a vow with God. What was it in the heart of David that can inspire us today to recommit ourselves to our original vow to serve the Lord with our whole heart? And what hope is their for someone who has disappointed God so often they feel there is no hope of being forgiven and turning back the clock?

David, while a failure in so many areas of his life, was regarded by God as redeemable, someone worth the investment of His time. When God introduced himself to us by His Spirit, he knew we were no good. He understood we were people without honor, but He loved us anyway. And and throughHis ultimate sacrifice, He made a way whereby we can forgive ourselves and live our life in such a way we can be regarded as after God's own heart.

Have you made a promise to someone that you need to rethink, recommit and fulfill? Why not start with the vow you made to God, then look at every other part of your life, such as marriage and family, job and church. Ask yourself if you're being faithful to your vow(s). If not, ask God to forgive you and renew a right spirit within, giving you desire and power to do what you ought to do.