Monday, March 31

Scripture: 2 Samuel 13-15, Psalm 90

2 Samuel 13-15 tells us a disconcerting story. Why in the world would it be included in the Biblical narrative? Here it is: the    dysfunction of David’s children is laid bare for all to see. Several years ago, I purchased a book titled “Secrets of Your Family Tree: Healing for Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families.” Earl Henslin wrote the chapter dealing with this passage.

He noted that David’s children had seen their father model this behavior when he engaged with Bathsheba. The behaviors observed came with the pain lived out. This is a part of God’s Story, and for many of us, family dysfunction is also a part of our story.

As David discovered, “there is no easy way out - no magic fix.” Henslin goes on, “The task of healing is one of great faith. Sometimes, it is hard to take that step of faith, trusting that the Holy Spirit will lead you as you actively search for the help you need.  But in the end, it will be worth it”. 

The psalmist acknowledges this in Psalm 90: "8 You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. 9 All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan. But the Psalmist concludes, “16 May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. 17 May the favor[a] of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands”.       Conclusion: may God’s love become our new Story as we discover how to live out His story of redemption in our lives.

~Pastor Kent Vandervort

 Daily Prayer Focus: All who work in construction