The Two Halves of David's Life

"One Year Bible" Old Testament History Passage
II Samuel 9:1-11:27

"It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israle; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and beseiged Rabbah.  But David remained at Jerusalem."  II Samuel 11:1 (NKJV)

Thus began a series of set-backs for King David.  The life of David can roughly be divided into two halves.  The first half is a succession of victories beginning with Goliath and carrying through to the defeat of the Jebusites.  He certainly had challenges, but he always ended up in triumph.  The favor of God rested on him.

The second half of David's life is characterized by trouble.  His adultery with Bathsheba set his life on a different trajectory.  While David was a great warrior, from this point on he had great difficulty within his own house.  The beginning of David's hard time was not just his sin with Bathsheba.  It was also his failure to fulfill his role as king.  When king's usually were out leading the troups, David took a vacation. 

I find a lesson here.  We are at our best when we are focused on God's plan. We are at our best when we know our purpose and are pursuing it.  We think more clearly when we know God's direction.  Unfortunately, far too many people in our day feel over-worked, stressed, and in need of a break.  I am afraid this has produced a hankering for a leisure culture that is escapist and can be destructive.

Don't get me wrong.  I love those times that we are able to unwind, lay back, and get refreshed.  But, we must revisit the reasons for these "retreats."  The purpose of rest is not to escape work.  The reason for rest is so that we can be renewed and reinvigorated so that we can return with strength to that to which God has called us.

When we enter a period of unending relaxation, the focus is our own comfort.  This can lead to compromises or temptations that we would otherwise not entertain.  Remember, GOD HAS A PURPOSE FOR YOU.  Your life will only find fulfillment in that purpose.

When David slacked off and failed to stay centered on his calling, he became open to sin.  This sin set the tone for the last half of his life.  May God help each of us to know His will and His calling so that we can live our lives TO THE FULLEST!