“In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army … But David remained in Jerusalem.” 2 Samuel 11:1 (NIV)

He initiated the conversation, and he was beyond transparent. Without my husband or me even asking, our young friend told us everything … and it wasn’t pretty.

My stomach was in knots. As he went through the details, all I could think was, How does someone get themselves into this kind of situation?

In 2 Samuel 11, we read about another young man who found himself in a place of regret.

“In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army … But David remained in Jerusalem” (2 Samuel 11:1).

King David, who should have been at war, decided to take it easy in his palace. He ended up on his rooftop. From there, he spotted a beautiful woman bathing. Fully knowing that she was married and that her husband, Uriah, was off to war (where David himself should have been), David summoned her to his home.

Long story short, sin got a hold of David, and because of his terrible decisions, King David made a huge mess for himself and others. Not only did he sin against Bathsheba, but he committed murder, too, as he arranged for Uriah to be killed at war (2 Samuel 11:15).

Now that escalated quickly. Sin left unconfessed usually does.

Every time I read this story, so many questions go through my mind. How did King David even get himself into that situation? He was a king. Kings go to war. Why wasn’t he at war? Did he forget who he was?

The more I study this chapter, it becomes clearer that 2 Samuel 11 isn’t simply a lesson about moral failure; it’s a lesson about daily failure (and success) as well.

What if David had started off his day asking the Lord one simple question: Lord, as Your appointed king, what should I be doing today?

I am certain the sinful events of 2 Samuel 11 would not have been on God’s to-do list for David that day … but joining his troops in battle might have been.

The truth is, David wasn’t the first king to have forgotten his God-appointed assignment, nor was he the last. Before I can get too judgmental, the Holy Spirit begins to ask me a few questions: As a daughter of the King, are you always doing what you should be doing? Do you always remember who you are and the purpose I have for you?

According to 1 Peter 2:9, if we have accepted Christ into our hearts, we are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession” (NIV, emphasis added).

You and I are royalty! The choices we make and what we do throughout our days matter to God just as much as King David’s choices mattered to God. 

What if we started our days by asking God this same question: Lord, what should I be doing today? Do You have any special assignments for me? Then as things come to mind, we can jot them down and add those things to our to-do lists.

It might be something as simple as calling or texting someone whom God wants to connect us with. Or perhaps the Lord will show us someone to pray for … and unlike King David in this story, we can go to war for them and cry out to God on their behalf.

As the conversation with my young friend came to a close, I was inspired — not by his mistakes but by his quick confession and humility.

The Holy Spirit was clearly at work in my friend’s life. His willingness to repent and receive advice, correction and rebuke assured me that despite his slip-up, he was going to be OK. God’s plans for him still included a great hope and a victorious future.

Friends, it’s summertime. Do we know what God wants us to be doing in this season? If not, let’s take a few minutes to ask Him. Then let’s take a few more minutes to listen, giving Him time to answer.

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1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (NIV).

Proverbs 16:3, “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (NIV).

How has seeking God and His will changed the course of your day? Has He ever prompted you to do something you otherwise would not have done? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!

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