Victory Starts In Private
Thursday, September 17
2 Samuel 11:27 NKJV
“And when her mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.”
Devotion
At the end of this episode in David’s life, it looked like he had handled everything. From the outside, things had settled down. But Scripture gives us the part that mattered most:
“But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord.”
David knew God. He had prayed, worshiped, fought battles, and experienced God’s power. But when he became relaxed spiritually, he became vulnerable, and a giant that was not nine feet tall defeated him that day.
That should challenge us. We cannot afford to become relaxed in our private relationship with God.
Our greatest concern should not simply be, “Am I doing okay?” It should be, “Is my life pleasing to God?”
That requires us to stay on guard spiritually:
Holding fast to prayer. Hebrews 4:16
Holding fast to praise. Psalm 34:1
Holding fast to the Word. Hebrews 4:12
Following Jesus is more than saying, “I accepted Jesus, so I’m good.” Salvation is the beginning. God calls us to continually be transformed and sanctified. Romans 12:2
And our private relationship with God should never stop with us. We have a community to intercede for. 1 Timothy 2:1
David’s life reminds us what can happen when we stop guarding our relationship with God. Protect the private place. Stay rooted in prayer, the Word, and worship, because what happens privately with God shapes how we live publicly before Him.
Our spiritual strength is not only for ourselves. Our families, communities, and those God has placed around us need our prayers, intercession, confidence, and faith.
Stay close to God. Guard the private place.
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
When temptations arise in my life, hold me steadfast, fixed on You. I pray for discernment to recognize them early so I can deal with them appropriately. I know Your grace is more than enough for me. Surround me with Your holy presence, for You are my heart’s desire. I worship Your name, O Lord, my strength. In the Name of Jesus, I pray.
Apply It Today
We were created on purpose to meet a need: first, to fellowship with the Heavenly Father through prayer and meditating on His Word; and secondly, to fulfill our part in His plan. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” With this in mind, walk each day in surrender to Him. He will provide the grace and the direction we need.
Resources
• Ready to walk in victory? Watch “The Strategy for Victory” and discover how God equips us to overcome every battle we face. Don’t miss this powerful message!
• Some battles are won in private, but you don’t have to fight them alone. Join a Connect Group and find a community that will encourage you, pray with you, and help keep you accountable.