The Comfort of Family – David’s Third Step in Living Beyond a Shattered Life (2 Samuel 12:24-25) - a podcast by David K Payne

“One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone.” 
― Shannon L. Alder

The third noticeable thing that David did after the death of his young son was to comfort his wife. We must understand there is an unquestionable comfort we received when we become aware that others are hurting around us as well as we. We can easily be so self-focused on our pain, our anger, our grief, and our sadness, that we become blinded to the suffering of those around us. The first thing we should do is take care of ourselves, but what we miss is the help we receive from helping others. In the story of David, he spent seven days in an extremely depressed and desperate posture, from which he petitioned God to spare the child. When the child died, he first washed himself, then he worshipped God, and now he goes in and comforts his wife, the mother of the dead child.

Bathsheba conceived another child during this time, Solomon, who went on to become the king of Israel. The point I want to make is that David could have run from Bathsheba as his attraction to her is what started the issues in the first place. He could have refused to go into her, believing God would never be pleased with the relationship because of how it started. He could have put her away because he was king due to the opinions of others. Some act as though nothing wrong ever happened. Others are so ashamed they try and avoid any association with anyone or anything connected to the wrong. But no, David went into her, resulting in another son who the bible says was “beloved of the Lord.” This act brought emotional, spiritual, and emotional comfort to Bathsheba, but it also brought happiness to David in return.

There is a verse of scripture that refers to a family being born for times of adversity. I have seen this first hand. A couple of years ago, when I went through an especially painful period resulting from a shattered life, I found the most excellent comfort in my family. I still remember the love of my son, daughter, grandchildren, and brothers. It was so impactful as they had compassion towards me even though they may have disagreed with my actions, they loved me and comforted me during that time.

Never refuse to reach out to family, particularly after your more painful times in life. You may feel unable to help them, but they are hurting too, and your presence alone can bring comfort to them. You may feel ashamed to be near them, but those family relationships are the ones that will help create a new future for you and them. I want to encourage you to move beyond your shame, your fear, your anxiety, and reach out to closest to you after troubled times. It is in this simple act that you will bring comfort to them and yourself and allow the blessings of God to return to your home.

Just Be

David

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