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Apostle Don Meares
“So David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’
And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.”
In every person’s life, there will come a major test or shaking that can make them bitter or better. But God has a profound desire for each of us to experience a remarkable metamorphosis. God wants us to embrace transformative thinking, living, and giving, that will span across the realms of the physical, mental, and spiritual. Similar to the inspiring transformation of a silkworm into a breathtaking butterfly, God seeks to unlock the concealed treasures within us, allowing them to radiate outward. Let us allow ourselves to be guided by the transformative power of God, where we can truly experience change.
In 2 Samuel 12, we find the story of David’s encounter with the prophet Nathan. David had committed a grave sin by taking another man’s wife, Bathsheba, and having her husband Uriah killed. Nathan confronts David by telling him a parable about a rich man who took a poor man’s only lamb and prepared it for a traveler. David becomes angry and declares that the man who did this should die. David deeply mourns and pleads with God, fasting and praying for the child’s life. However, after the child dies, David accepts God’s judgment and finds comfort in knowing that he will one day be reunited with the child in eternity.
In this story, we see the consequences of David’s sin. We also see his deep repentance and sorrow over his actions. It serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and repenting from our sins and finding reassurance in God’s forgiveness and the hope of eternal life.
We can say that David is the first man we see in the Scriptures to cry over a baby. Many of us might be familiar with instances of other women in the Bible, such as Hannah, Rachel, and Mary, crying over their children. Still, David’s response stands out because he cried for a baby he had not seen, met, touched, or even named. He pleads with God to save the baby, showing his deep emotional attachment and concern. David is described as a mighty man of war, an anointed king, and a man after God’s heart, known for his extreme worship. Even with his status and strength, he falls to his face, desperately praying for the baby’s survival.
The passage in 2 Samuel 12 concludes with David’s men observing his emotional breakdown. They express concern about informing him of the child’s death. They fear that delivering the news could drive David to desperate actions, considering his fragile state of mind. Despite David’s fervent prayers and fasting for seven days, God ultimately says no to his request.
What to do in the crossroads
Sometimes, one faces a crossroads in life, where a significant event has knocked them down to their knees, and they wonder if they will ever recover. Every great person will face a mega test in their life, where they question if they will overcome the challenge. Many followers of God say they want to witness some of His attributes, such as being a healer or a waymaker, but they are reluctant to go through the difficult circumstances that reveal those. If we are like this, we must not despise God’s commandments and accept the consequences of our actions.
King David, as we saw in the Bible, faced internal struggles. While He was skilled at fighting external enemies, his greatest enemy is portrayed as being within himself. The true battleground is in one’s mind, which is why we must take care of our thoughts and beliefs. We must avoid wasting energy on what others say about us and hold fast to who God says we are. The internal war between flesh, spirit, and soul constantly affects one’s daily life and mental well-being.
David’s past experiences and perceived stains on his life may have influenced his intense desire to save the child. Just like many of us, our personal history can determine the intensity of how we fight against challenges.
We must transform and renew our minds to usher in transformation and new seasons in life. New things alone cannot bring about a new life. A new mind is necessary to perceive and embrace opportunities. We must let go of the past, put things behind us, and pursue a new mindset to step into the future and embrace new doors that God opens.
Six ways to leave the past behind
If we want to live in the victory God has given us, we must leave behind the past and embrace a renewed mindset. The story of David serves as a guide as he demonstrates six actions that helped him put his struggles behind him.
First: David washed himself.
This act symbolizes the need to cleanse oneself from the burdens and negative experiences of the past. By letting go of dead issues and letting God’s renewing power wash over him, David set the stage for transformation.
Second: David anointed himself.
Recognizing the power of self-encouragement, David took the initiative to lift his spirits. He understood that praising God and seeking His presence could bring a renewed mindset and anointing.
Third: David changed his garments.
Just as one would discard old, tattered clothing, David tossed the garments of heaviness and sorrow. He embraced new garments that represented righteousness, joy, and the promises of God.
Changing garments is a common biblical metaphor for a change in status or mindset. It signifies leaving behind the old and embracing something new. Examples of this symbolism can be found in the story of Joseph, who received a new garment when he was elevated to a position of authority (Genesis 41:42), or the parable of the prodigal son, who was given new garments upon his return (Luke 15:22).
Fourth: David went to church.
David recognized the significance of gathering with other believers. Attending church helps us because this is where we receive nourishment from God’s Word. Our spirits are enriched when we fellowship with others. We also learn how to overcome sin and negative attitudes. The Bible encourages believers to gather together for worship and teaching, as seen in Hebrews 10:25.
Psalm 122:1 says, “I was glad when they said unto me, ‘Let us go unto the house of the Lord.’” This verse expresses joy and anticipation for worshiping in the house of the Lord, highlighting the value and delight of coming together in God’s presence.
Fifth: David went back to his house to eat.
After being fed spiritually at church, David understood the importance of meditating on and applying God’s Word daily. Feasting on spiritual nourishment enables believers to experience growth, transformation, and a deeper understanding of God’s purposes.
Sixth: David went to Bathsheba.
Finally, David’s renewed mind and heart enabled him to bring comfort and healing to Bathsheba, who had also suffered the loss of a child. Bathsheba conceives another child through their intimate union, demonstrating God’s redemption and restoration in their lives.
By letting go of our past burdens, seeking God’s renewal, engaging in worship and fellowship, and meditating on His Word, we can experience healing, restoration, and a renewed mindset. As we embrace God’s abundant life, we move forward with gratitude, guided by His faithfulness, and fulfill the purpose He has for us.
Watch the entire message “Put It Behind You” here:
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