Daily Devotional for Friday, February 9

The Prayer

“And David’s heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the Lord, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O Lord, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly,” 2 Samuel 24:10.

I have an addictive personality. I could lie and tell you I can be responsible with anything, but in reality, I must avoid many things to keep myself from going overboard with them. When my wife and I first got married, there was a new peanut butter product that had chocolate mixed in it. As someone who loves the marriage of peanut butter and chocolate, this was the best idea ever in my opinion. Unfortunately, I would sit down with my jar of chocolate peanut butter and a spoon, and I would eat most of the jar in one sitting! I would eat a whole bag of chocolate covered caramels at one time! My wife started pressuring me to not buy these awesome treats, but for a while I just would not listen. Now here I am twenty-plus years later, dealing with health issues and regretting not listening to her. Sadly, it is too late to undo some of the damage I have done to my body.

Joab had tried to warn David not to number the people (2 Samuel 24:3), but David would not listen. After the census was completed, he realized the gravity of his sin and confessed his sin to the Lord. He deeply regretted what he had done, but by now it was too late. He could not reverse the sin he had committed. He could not undo the census. If he had only listened to Joab’s wisdom, he would not have put himself or his people in this regrettable position. The people would once again pay the price for David’s pride.

JUST A THOUGHT
Do not ignore the leadership of the Holy Spirit or the truth of God’s Word. Listening to God will save you a lot of heartache.

Chris Floyd