Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it....you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

2 Samuel 10-13:17, 21 and 1 Chronicles 18-20:1, 20:4-8, Psalm 60, and Psalm 51

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.....You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.  My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.  Psalm 51:10, 16-17

Day 98 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on a steady stream of battles fought by Israel and includes David's adulterous affair with Bathsheba and his resulting repentance.  My commentary* suggests that Israel's conflicts with its neighbors and David's own battles with lust represent "a warning that God’s people must be on guard against both external and internal enemies".

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.  

Once again, we must remind ourselves that God promises believers that life will be difficult and we will have challenges (Genesis 3:17-19, John 16:33).  I agree with my commentary that our challenges will be both external and internal - the battle over our souls and with sin is very real.  We must deal with sin out of humility - that alone we cannot deal with sin.  We must recognize that we all sin, need a savior, and that Jesus is that Savior!

David let his guard down and in a moment of pride/arrogance (see DesiringGod.com on this) took Bathsheba as his own (contrary to God's commandment not to covet your neighbor's wife).  I can't imagine for an instant that David did not know this was a sin!  His lust and pride blinded him!

We ALL have these moments where Satan/sin blinds us - and it is in the aftermath of these moments, as we are likely dealing with the destructive forces of sin and we must go to God as contrite as David and seek a pure heart.  From there we must continue to draw near to God and seek transformation and renewal of the mind as a means to preserve ourselves against the forces of Satan and sin.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus - You are an amazing God who loves me and who has welcomed me back into His arms when I have sinned and You continue to do so - thank You Jesus!  I KNOW I need You and I am grateful for Your patience, compassion, and mercy.  Yet I am undeserving.  My sin continues as it will the rest of my life - today included!  Please forgive me - for my combativeness, etc.  Help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose Your as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.