Psalm 123:2

Devotional Thoughts

By Carter Conlon

When the devil entices believers to sin, it is important to realize that he loves to paint a beautiful, idyllic picture, but not the whole picture — not the anguish, loss, sorrow and heartache. He does this in order to take you right out of the battle. He most certainly did this on the rooftop when King David observed another man’s wife. In that critical moment, David looked at the picture before him and made a wrong choice, subsequently falling into adultery.

The Lord had once given David an incredible promise. “And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever” (2 Samuel 7:16). In other words, walk with me, and I will bless you and your house. Likewise, God promises to bless us, but his blessing is not unconditional. There are always consequences to the choices we make.

We all come to those crucial points in life that have the potential to greatly impact the course of our future, just as David did. I cannot help but think, if only David had made a different choice at that pivotal moment. Sadly, he made a wrong choice, never believing that he would become a murderer and a liar, leading people into defeat. Yet, even then, David discovered that God was merciful!

David returned to his first love because ultimately, as the Scriptures describe, he was a man after God’s own heart. Psalm 51 gives us a glimpse of his heart: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions … and cleanse me from my sin” (Psalm 51:1-2). 

Take heart if somewhere along the way you have made a wrong choice because he is waiting to hear from you. He will give you the victory right where you are! That’s what first love is all about, and with it are all the blessings that come only from the hand of God.