September 23 – 2 Samuel 12:15-23

September 23 – 2 Samuel 12:15-23

[15] Then Nathan went to his house. And the LORD afflicted the child that Uriah’s wife bore to David, and he became sick. [16] David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. [17] And the elders of his house stood beside him, to raise him from the ground, but he would not, nor did he eat food with them. [18] On the seventh day the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he did not listen to us. How then can we say to him the child is dead? He may do himself some harm.” [19] But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David understood that the child was dead. And David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” They said, “He is dead.” [20] 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. He then went to his own house. And when he asked, they set food before him, and he ate. [21] Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.” [22] He said, “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?’ [23] 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.”

These servants of David were afraid of how he would respond to the news his son was dead because of his reaction to the child’s sickness.  David knew once the child died he had to move on as nothing he did would bring his son back.  There is a time for grief and a time to accept the Lord’s will.  I’m not saying I can recover from grief as quickly as it seems David did, but we certainly can allow a loss to keep us from living and doing what God has put before us.  I imagine David continued to grieve, but in a quiet way that allowed him to continue his work as king.  He knew his sin had brought about this tragedy, so I’m sure it was extremely difficult for him, but he didn’t live in his grief.

What helps you when you are grieving a loss of someone you love or a relationship?  Lean into God and get busy about His work as one avenue of healing.  His peace and love can help you get through.