LOOKING PAST

2 Samuel 12:15-24
15 The Lord struck the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David, and he became ill. . . . 18 On the seventh day the child died. . . .20 David washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate. 21 His servants asked him, "Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!" 22 He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.' 23 But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me." 24 Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon.

Helen Keller. Fanny Crosby. Two amazing women who both lost their sight as babies. Fanny Crosby wrote more than 9,000 poems, many of which were converted into hymns that we continue to sing today. Helen Keller, who was blind and deaf, graduated from college magna cum laude, and throughout her life gave lectures and wrote numerous books and articles. Both women led extraordinary lives despite their physical disabilities.

I don't have the disabilities those women had, but I had a devastating experience at age 12, which God eventually used to bless me. I was raped and abused by an elementary school teacher. For many years after my experience, I was bitter against God because I had been sinned against. Finally, I realized I had no choice but to look up.

Instead of growing bitter during a trial, we can do as David did--turn to God. After the death of his first child with Bathsheba, caused by his sin, he "went into the house of the Lord and worshiped" (2 Samuel 12:20). He said in Psalm 51, "Create in me a pure heart, O God. . . . and restore to me the joy of Your salvation" (vv.10,12).

Jesus is the Restorer of souls and He has restored mine. Now I can look back and be thankful that the man who victimized me did not kill me. God used that experience to teach me to love others as Jesus continues to love me--unconditionally.

I pray that as you look past your trials and forward to the blessings that can come from them, you will realize that He is the Restorer of your joy (v.12). The Lord will use your trials to draw you closer to Him. "The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be
your glory" (Isaiah 60:19). --Stefani Hall (New Mexico)

Written by a fellow Soul Journey reader.

DESTINATION POINTS

* How have I been bitter against the Lord?
* Will I look beyond the face of trials to seek the face of Jesus?

bottom line: Bitterness hinders God's work in you.

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