Let Jehovah Soothe You - WHAT WE LEARN FROM THE APOSTLE DAVID

David had reason to be troubled by a guilty conscience. He had committed adultery with Bath-sheba, arranged  for the murder of her husband, and for a time tried to cover up the crimes. (2 Samuel 12:9)  At  first, David ignored his conscience.  As a result, he suffered not only spiritually, but also mentally and physically.  (Psalm 32:3, 4)  What helped David to deal with the anxiety he had brought on himself, and what can help us if we make a serious mistake? 

Pray for forgiveness. David eventually turned to Jehovah.  With heartfelt repentance, confessed to his sins. (Read Psalm 51:1-4) And what relief that finally brought him. (Psalm 32:1, 2,4, 5) If you commit a serious sin, do not try to cover the error. Instead openly confess your sin to Jehovah in prayer. You will then begin to feel some relief from the anxiety caused by a guilty conscience.  But if you want to restore your friendship with Jehovah, you need to do more than pray. 

Accept discipline.  When Jehovah sent the prophet Nathan to expose David's sin, David did not justify himself or try to minimize the sin.  He immediately acknowledged that he had sinned not only against Bath-sheba's husband, but above all, against Jehovah.  David accepted the discipline from Jehovah and Jehovah forgave him.  (2 Samuel 12:10-14)  If we have committed a serious sin, we need to talk to those whom Jehovah has appointed to shepherd us.  (James 5:14. 15)  And we must avoid the urge to justify ourselves.  The sooner we accept and apply whatever discipline we receive, the sooner we will regain our peace and joy. 

Next time: Let Jehovah Soothe You - Conclusion of WHAT WE LEARN FROM THE APOSTLE DAVID

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