And it came to pass in an evening tide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. —2 Samuel 11:2
We are never out of reach of the tentacles of temptation. You can be in a crowd of thousands or alone in your thoughts, and temptation will sit down beside you.
Was the seed of temptation already in David’s heart, or was he only seeking a place of solitude when temptation overtook him? Instead of fleeing the roof when he saw Bathsheba, he fed temptation by inquiring about her. The result of allowing temptation to stay in your heart will be as devastating to you as it was to him.
Guard your heart with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23). Do not feed your spirit with the chaff of this world, but keep it strong through reading and meditating on the Word of God and communing with your heavenly Father.
What are the strongest temptations in your life? How are you avoiding or resisting them? How do you need God’s help in resisting temptation?
Jesus, I desire to resist every temptation
that comes my way. Grant me discernment
and wisdom in recognizing and avoiding
temptation. Amen.
