Our Stories Unleashed

Where Should We Be?

When our daughter was about 3 years old, she came out of her room in tears after bedtime one night. Rather than staying in bed and going to sleep, she had gotten out of bed to play. In the process she hit her leg and got hurt. Once Ryan and I made sure she was OK and comforted her, we explained to her that this wouldn't have happened if she had stayed in bed, where she was supposed to be. 

A few days later we were preparing to lead a Bible study about David and Bathsheba (see 2 Samuel 11). We were struck by the similarities between the bedtime story from a few nights earlier and the beginning of this story about David. The story begins:

In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.

Just as our daughter got hurt by not being where she was supposed to be, so also David found trouble when we wasn't where he was supposed to be -- at his post at the head of his forces. His absence led to temptation, adultery and murder, and later in the death of his infant son. We don't have an explanation here of why David didn't go with his army into battle, but it's striking to me the example of the trouble we can find when we aren't where we are supposed to be and doing what we are called to be doing. 

I read the story of David and Bathsheba again last week. It occurred to me that this lesson applies to our current societal situation today too. Where are we supposed to be these days? Well, mostly at home, save for a few important errands. But where else should we be, and what should we be doing?

God has called us to care for one another in his name. That may look different to us now than it did a few short weeks ago, but it's as important now as ever to be in conversation with God about where he would have us each day and how we should use our time. It's a challenge, for sure, but not one we face alone. 

I'm praying for you today, that you'll use your time and location for God's glory... and stay out of trouble! - Kathy Raines, Minister of Administration