Honest with God

Ever held a conversation and felt there was no need to be completely honest? Did you feel that being totaly hones would cause you some harm or loss? There have been times when I would speak with people and share information that I felt was sensitive. I would hold back information for fear of losing respect or causing someone to misjudge my character.

King David was confronted about his adulterous encounter with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah. God chose to reveal the gravity of David's actions by telling him a story that would expose his sin. Otherwise David could have been dishonest in his reasoning. The propeht Nathan told him the story of a rich man who wronged a poor man with one little ewe lamb. David was enfuriated and demanded justice for the poor man. Nathan then told David he was that rich man. The story pricked David's heart and caused him to see the degree of wrong committed against the poor man (Uriah). David confessed and was lead to a place of contrition before God. Honesty has to begin with us before we can demand it of others.(2Sam. 12:1-13)

David later wrote a psalm that described his spiritual condition after being confronted with the truth. In that psalm he stated, "Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom." (Ps. 51:6) King David acknowledged he would be unable to approach God with a lie in his heart. I have had experiences that revealed a lie will hinder the ability to hear from God. Like going to God in prayer to ask for a blessing knowing there has not been any earnest prayer in days. Intentionally not spending time with Him and kneeling to pray out of habit with no real desire to speak to Him or hear from Him. This type of truth creates distance between us and God. But, He desires it. Sincere desire to be with God will reveal hinderances. I thought if I just ignored it everything would one day blow over and my relationship would be restored. I guess David thought the same thing, until he was confronted. Let us be honest with God and ourselves. We need Him to survive. Repent and be restored.