NorthStar Community Daily Devotional

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Day 182 – Month At A Glance

Scripture focus: Read 2 Samuel 18 and parts of 19 – the messy story of David’s relationship with his rebellious son Absalom

This month’s devotions have focused on emotions and their appropriate place in our story. We’ve discussed big emotions and how unhealthy families usually have limited emotional expression and few skills for dealing with the big ones. We’ve considered the concept of perfectionism, guilt, shame, and all the symptoms of trying to be God (as opposed to becoming imitators of Christ).

But what I pray you take note of is the example of the life of David: David was a messy guy, a bad parent, probably struggled with depression, definitely lived in the land of denial, committed adultery and tried to cover up his crime with the murder of a good and loyal soldier. His kids were a mess. At least one of his many wives was embarrassed by him. Loyal friends became enemies. His subordinates didn’t always follow his instructions. He didn’t keep his daughters safe from predators – including their own kin.

AND he was a man after God’s own heart. He was the best king ever. He loved God. He took down a giant with a slingshot while grown men stood around quaking in their boots at the sight of the big guy. He showed mercy to a king who tried to kill him. He was loyal to his friend Jonathan. He grieved the loss of his children – even those that sought to destroy him.

David was a mere mortal who was deeply loved by God.


We are mere mortals and also deeply love by God.

I hope this truth frees us to take a closer look at our own limitations – not so that we’ll experience shame and self-depreciation – but so that we can embrace and enjoy how God is going to show his glory as he overcomes our weakness with his strength.

How awesome would it be to relax into the loving arms of God?

I can still remember how safe it felt to climb into my dad’s lap after dinner each night, and dip cookies in his coffee. His arms were strong and his knees sturdy. If my cookie broke off into his coffee - that was fine by him. My brothers often tried to usurp my place in the lap of my daddy. But neither he nor I would have it. This is how it is with God. We can sit in his lap, and no one can rip us out of the arms of our heavenly Father. No force or circumstance or enemy can snatch of out of the hands of our daddy. We’re safe. We can be weak and human and frail and developmentally challenged – and without condemnation. Oh, how I wish we would believe this profound reality!!!!

This completes the one hundred eighty second day of our three hundred sixty five day journey. May your journey draw you nearer to God, and closer to your true God-created identity.

Recommended reading: 2 Kings 15 and 16 in the morning; Psalm 147 and Proverbs 18 in the evening