July 16 | 2 Samuel 11:1

“Then it happened in the spring of the year, the time when Kings go out to battle, and David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel, and they destroyed the people of the Ammonites and besieged Rabhah. But David remained in Jerusalem.” (2 Samuel 11:1)

Idle hands can get you into trouble. We all need something to do or are distractions will get the best of us. It’s amazing how much time goes by when we are just checking social media or doing a small task.

The Bible goes out of its way to tell us David wasn’t where he belonged. Kings were supposed to be at war, but David is sitting in the palace. He sends everyone but himself. He doesn’t know the dangerous place he is in.

Temptation sneaks up on us when we think we are okay. The greatest mountaintop victories can produce temptation attacks. David should be enjoying victories with Israel. But he is sitting at home.

Are you leaving the door open to temptation? God is calling you to work for him. But in his calling and you’re working you must not allow yourself dangerous distractions. When you don’t do what you are supposed to you leave yourself open to the wolves.

David is not where he should be when he enters into the biggest sin of his life. Bathsheba is bathing on a rooftop and it’s all over from there. David will commit adultery, conspiracy to commit murder, and lying to cover everything up. But God won’t let him get away with any of it.

Action Step: Shore up any open areas where temptation can enter in. Have a plan, a way of escape if it knocks on your door. Be proactive or be prey.

Holy Spirit, help me prepare for any temptations I will face. I want to see the way of escape before I allow temptation to linger. Give me your wisdom and strength to continue to be faithful to you.