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READ: 2 Samuel 24:1-10
“But David’s heart struck him after he had numbered the people. And David said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. But now, O Lord, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have done very foolishly.” 2 Samuel 24:10
Here, David commanded that a census of fighting men of Israel be taken. Although taking a census is not wrong in itself, it was a reflection of the unbelief in David’s heart. Some commentators explain that David did not trust God to provide for Israel’s security. Instead, he looked to military strength out of his fear and anxiety.
Reflection: Oftentimes we sin because we do not believe in Him to provide for us. We don’t trust Him to provide the time required to finish the assignments He’s given us, or the grades to get into the college He wants us to go to, or the friends He wants us to have. He might not provide what we want, but he will provide what we need and what is good for us.
David prayed to the Lord in order to repent. When you feel guilty, ask God to forgive you and help you to begin living in accordance to His will. And His response will always be, “Yes, of course I forgive you! Just look at my son Jesus, who died for all your past, present, and future sins.”
“I believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:23
Prayer Prompt: What guilt are you carrying from a past mistake? Ask God to forgive you and give you a clean slate. At the same time, examine the root of the sin. Did you sin out of your fear and unbelief like David, or was it something else? Come to him with your unbelief, and He will help you to believe.