2 Samuel 24:14 David said to Gad, “I am in deep distress. Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into human hands.”

David had learned the character of God. Having known God from when he was a young boy tending sheep, he was convinced of God’s faithfulness and mercy. He had experienced moments of outstanding faith, such as when he challenged Goliath, and he had also experienced being hunted by Saul in the desert. That track record made him prefer God over any other option. It also generated in him the attitude  that he wasn’t going to offer to God something that cost him nothing, as is famously proclaimed in verse 24. He knew from experience that you can’t outgive God, as has been said a great deal by more modern evangelists. David is such a good example for us because he loved God enough to be greatly used by Him, in spite of David’s own character flaws. He is an example both of what can happen when we are fully submitted to God, and what can happen when we take our relationship with God for granted. We need to be fully aware of our own weaknesses, and even more aware of God’s omnipotence. We need to know that, as Jesus said, apart from Him we can do nothing, (John 15:5) and also that we can do everything that He asks of us, by His strength. (Philippians 4:13) As Jesus said, and as saints down through the centuries have learned by experience, in this world we will have trouble, (John 16:33) but the final outcome will be blessing for those who are committed and submitted to God, as the whole Bible proclaims.

I grew up reading and hearing of David’s example, and I also had examples much closer to home. My parents were totally committed to Christ, having been missionaries even before they married and staying faithful to the Lord and to each other in the decades following. My father was taken home at 64 and my mother at 72, but their reward was abundant indeed. I have also known many other faithful saints over the years, and nothing contradicts the conviction that David had about the character of God. I am to live my own life with the same dedication my parents had, knowing that God will use me to build up the Body of Christ for His glory.

Father, thank You for Your grace and mercy toward me. May I respond as You deserve, in full gratitude and obedience, so that I may be fully available to You for whatever You want to do with me, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!