Restoration of the Soul

Though God created the world and all of humanity, it has been distorted by sin in the same way that David’s life became distorted. However, because David allowed the Word of God to humble him, and he repented of his sin, God took his sin away; that did not, however, remove the consequences of his sin. Nonetheless, God restored David’s soul, and his joy returned.

The first terrible consequence of what David had done was that the child born from his adultery would die (2 Samuel 12:14). David was a changed man, and his behavior demonstrated that change. The impact of the word of the Lord that Nathan had spoken to him, David’s repentance, and God’s forgiveness brought the change. “David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and spent the nights lying in sackcloth on the ground” (2 Samuel 12:16). The man who had no need to talk to God finally sought God on behalf of the newly born child.

David knew that the child’s sickness was his fault.  David knew that his son’s sickness had to do with God’s disapproval of what he had done. David prayed, “Have mercy on me, Lord, and so have mercy on the child.” Even though God had promised to hang a sword over David’s house, David still found God approachable. On the contrary, the grace of God that “put away” David’s sin gave David the confidence to seek him. When we go through a trial, it should not make us turn away from God but to him. David fasted and prayed for the child for a week. However, after the child died, he resumed his everyday life. This puzzled everyone.

David believed that God was in charge, even though he did not understand everything he did. David explained his behavior: “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.’ But now that he is dead, why should I go on fasting? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” (2 Samuel 12:22-23).

David did not know what God, in his kindness, might do. As far as he knew, the Lord may have permitted the child to live. David had experienced God’s grace, and that is what he sought.

David prayed because God had been gracious to him, but not because he knew in this matter whether God would or would not grant his request.” This is a prayer to the Almighty, seeking mercy, yet knowing that whatever God does will be the best. This is the part that is so difficult for us to believe. As Jesus taught us, “Thy Will Be Done!” David’s acceptance of his child’s death indicates contentment with God’s wisdom and trust in His goodness.

David’s restoration as a man and as king was remarkable. It was not perfect, and it was not complete. But it was enough to point us to the kingdom of God in which all things will be put back in their proper order. At the very heart of the restoration of all things is the forgiveness of sins. The Lord Jesus Christ restores people who come to him, just as he will one day gloriously restore all things. Paul wrote: “in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:14).

People need Jesus more than they need anything else. They need forgiveness for their sins, they need relief from their shame and guilt, and rest from their labor. Jesus brings that. The problems people face often exceed their ability to solve. The reason is that we cannot straighten out what is broken—only God can do that. Jesus invited us to come and find the restorations we need: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30). When we humble ourselves, God does his work of grace in our lives.