2 Samuel by James Rochford (2023)

Loving God with all your heart involves letting yourself display emotions. David's source of his passion was his deep trusting relationship he had with God. His wife, Michal, on the other hand kept aloof, allowed hard-heartedness to take root, leading her to develop a twisted narrative of David's joyous dancing before the Lord.

How do you relate to a God who has no needs? You trust that He does not want to take from you anything that is worth anything. You focus on God's promises, not what you think you deserve. You accept and appreciate what God has already given you.

The story of Mephibosheth is a lesson in God's grace. God in His grace pursues us even though we have done nothing to deserve His gifts. We deserve death but He gives us everlasting life. His grace blows away our anticipations.

In this chapter of King David's life, we see he has lost his focus on God and fallen into lust and laziness. He missed every escape opportunity. When confronted by Nathan the Prophet, he repents and admits his sin is against God first and foremost. He does not blame-shift or minimize, but instead he is honest and accepts responsibility and the consequences of his actions.

In spite of David's grievous sins, he was still considered a man after God's heart. He knew how to talk honestly with God. He pointed people to God. He understood and accepted God's grace.