Introductory Thoughts
When David chose to take Bathsheba to himself, he sinned against the Lord. Sometime thereafter, the Lord began to work in David’s heart convincing him of his wrongdoing. David described this painful process as something like having his bones broken (Psalm 51:8). The convicting work of God confirmed David’s “bloodguiltiness” (Psalm 51:14). It assured him that he had sinned against God and needed to repent. This conviction brought great fear to David’s heart (Psalm 51:11). At the same time, this conviction led David to acknowledge his transgressions (Psalm 51:3), seek God’s mercy (Psalm 51:1), and ask God to renew a right spirit within him (Psalm 51:10).
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): David sinned in numbering the people rather than remembering that God was the source of his strength. Afterward, his heart smote him. He confessed his sin and was willing to take full responsibility for his transgressions (2 Samuel 24:10, 17).
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(For everyone): Do you remember any time in your life when you sinned against God and He immediately began working in your heart to show you that you needed to repent?
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David likened conviction to bones being broken. To what would you liken conviction? How does it drive you to repent and get things right with the Lord and with others?
Prayer Thoughts
- Thank the Lord for working with you when you sin.
- Ask God to help conviction lead you to repentance.
Song
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