He (David) answered, “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.”
Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and made love to her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon.
The Lord loved him; and because the Lord loved him, he sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah. 2 Samuel 12:22-25
Emotions! God gave us emotions, a wide and wonderful spectrum of them. In the midst of contrition over his sin and correction from the Lord, David refuses food and weeps day after day. Then he turns a heavy heart to care for Bathsheba who was certainly overcome with overwhelming grief as she loses her newborn child. You might describe this season as a roller coaster of emotions, and I imagine it was. Almost a year later, God gives them a child conceived in love – Solomon, whom Nathan called Jedidiah (which was a expression of blessing meaning Friend of the Lord).
How emotionally healthy am I? Do I express the full spectrum of emotions?
God, Your graciousness and forgiveness are evident in this story, even as it is in my life. Thank you for overlooking my sin. I realize that Jesus paid the penalty for my sin on the cross. Please forgive me for the “Uriahs” that I have hurt and wronged. I rejoice that you call me Friend and my children as well. I am daily grateful and blessed by the wife You have chosen for me.
