SAY IT ISN’T SO –

David was not content in keeping the personal lessons he learned during this whole tragic episode a secret; he wanted everyone to know what he went through and how immorality can so quickly destroy you; physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. So he wrote a song and gave it to the chief musician Jeduthun to have it chanted in the temple courtyard, with the appropriate music. David was not worried what others thought of his public confession of wrong doing and how it almost ruined his life; rather, he wanted others to see what unbridled emotions can do to a person, but how faithful God is in coming to our rescue when we call for His love to grant us mercy, grace, and forgiveness.

“I once decided I wasn’t going to say or do anything that might offend someone, that’s why I kept my mouth shut, especially when those who didn’t like me were around. So I closed my lips and wouldn’t comment on anything or try to defend myself; but it only made matters worse on the inside. My face turned red with rage, and my emotional state was like a roaring inferno. Then I exploded, ‘O LORD Eternal, when will this all end? How much longer will this go on? How close am I to being done in? It seems that You have shortened my stay here on earth; my life span compared to Yours is like a puff of air.’ Sometimes, people like me find ourselves walking around in circles; so busy with trying to make it big in life that we get burned out; constantly putting money away for a rainy day and someone else ends up spending it. So I ask You, O Heavenly Master, what is there to look forward to? You are my only hope. So free me from my own shortcomings; don’t let people with no moral compass think I’m foolish for following Your word. I should have spoken up but I kept my mouth shut and didn’t say a word. Now I feel like You are punishing me because of it. Please hear my prayer, O LORD Eternal, please pay attention to my cry for help; don’t be unresponsive to my tears. There’s a long line in my family who never paid You any respect, and I feel like I’ve become one of them; just an onlooker. So I beseech You; give me another chance to get through this before my time runs out and it’s all over for me down here.” Psalm 39:1-9, 12-13

Reflection: Not too many years ago Mr. Al Johnson, from a small town in Kansas, was converted and became a strong, devout believer. As a result of being born-again, Mr. Johnson confessed to fellow believers that as a nineteen year old kid he participated in a bank robbery. Although the Statue of Limitations had already exempted him from prosecution for this crime, he still insisted on restitution for what he had done. So he notified the bank and voluntarily repaid his share of the stolen money. Everyone was surprised that he didn’t keep quiet about it and go on with his new life. To him it was a matter of ethics, and he didn’t want it coming up later and mar his testimony. After all, since God forgave him, why make it public and open himself up to ridicule? David felt a similar sense of obligation after realizing that he jeopardized losing everything God did for him since, as a shepherd boy, he was anointed as the next king of Israel. After all God did for him, he wanted to do all he could to show God just how grateful and thankful he was. What a lesson for us all; never give up, no matter how desperate and difficult things might be after we make a fool of ourselves. Remember, God’s mercy sees you for what you can be. So let Him restore your life and dignity and make you whole again. It doesn’t mean you are obligated to go around and graphically describe how horrible your sinful life was; but it does mean that you should never be ashamed to confess that you once were lost, but now you’re found; you were blind, but now you see; and all because of God’s amazing grace.