David had a relationship with GOD

David noticed that his attendants were whispering among themselves, and he realized the child was dead.  “Is the child dead?” he asked.  “Yes,” they replied, “he is dead.”

Then David got up from the ground.  After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped.  Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate.

His attendants asked him, “Why are you acting this way?  While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!”

He answered, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept.  I thought, ‘Who knows? Maybe the LORD will 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.”    2 Samuel 12:19-23 NIV

The understatement of the year award goes to the one who simply says, “David had a relationship with the LORD.”

David knew death.  Even though he was a man after GOD’s own heart (I Samuel 13:14, I Samuel 16:7, Acts 13:22), GOD did not allow David to build the temple because of the blood he had shed (I Chronicles 22:8).

So why do I share this passage as we approach Easter?  It comes to mind when I think of death.  David’s child—a child that he, the king of Israel begged to be spared—and GOD said no.  GOD struck the child ill and then took him (2 Samuel 12).  And how did David react?  With worship to GOD.

David said about his child: I will go to him, but he will not return to me.  Physical death is not the end.  That is the promise.  But GOD will rescue me from the power of death.  Psalm 49:15 CEV.  And my response?  Always, it should be rejoice in the LORD always; again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4 NASB.

Yes, David indeed had a relationship with the LORD.