The challenges, decisions and changes in our lives may... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Have mercy upon me, o God, according to your loving kindness; according to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions, wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
Psalm 51:1.2.

The challenges, decisions and changes in our lives may be a reason for us to pray to God for help and grace. But we need God's grace above all when we have become guilty.

This became clear in the life of King David. God had chosen him to rule over His people Israel. As a young man David had already achieved fame through his amazing victory over the giant Goliath. But it was a long, stony pathway to the throne for David, as the incumbent King Saul opposed him for years.

As a ruler David led his army courageously in many battles. But in one campaign he relied on his efficient general Joab and remained in Jerusalem. While Joab fought and conquered at the front, David underwent the greatest downfall of his life. From his palace he observed the wife of one of his soldiers as she bathed. He had her fetched, slept with her and then attempted to conceal the act of adultery, until he arranged the death of the deceived husband.

David deprived a happily married couple of their partner, his army of a brave warrior and himself of the joy of fellowship with God. But God showed him grace. He sent the prophet Nathan to David to awaken him as to his sin. David acknowledged, regretted and confessed his guilt. And he was forgiven through grace. This can be the experience of all who follow this example, for Christ bore the punishment for our peace at the cross (cf. Isaiah 53:5).

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 28:16-27 · Revelation 14:9-20