7 Day Christmas Devotional for Women of Purpose
Topic: Courage to live beyond trauma
Text: 2 Samuel 11 & 12
Key verse: Then David comforted Bathsheba, his wife, and slept with her. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son, and David named him Solomon. The Lord loved the child 2 Samuel 12:24(NLT)
Bathsheba- Courage to live beyond trauma
There are times when beauty hurts; this story is one such example. Bathsheba, who is not named in Matthew but identified as Uriah’s wife, found herself doing the right thing at the wrong time. Her beauty attracted her to David at a time of weakness. Even though he knew she was Uriah’s wife, he slept with her, and she became pregnant. To cover his actions, David killed Uriah and married her. I can’t imagine the level of trauma she went through, facing fear, shame, grief and the eventual loss of a child. But her story didn’t end in pain; God covered her. David married her, and she had a second child whom God loved! She went on to live as a wise woman who ensured her son became King over Israel.
And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. Romans 8:28(AMP)
Bathsheba- Courage to live beyond trauma
2 Samuel 11&12
Bathsheba didn’t choose to become the King’s concubine; she never coveted being the King’s wife. She must have loved her husband and life because she mourned his death; she experienced a satanic interruption. She could have become bitter and vengeful, she could have mourned forever like Tamar, Absalom’s sister, who her brother raped. But she chose to heal from her pain, face the future before her with grace.
So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak on Adonijah’s behalf. The king rose from his throne to meet her, and he bowed down before her. When he sat down on his throne again, the king ordered that a throne be brought for his mother, and she sat at his right hand. 1 Kings 2:19(NLT)
Her Courage
- Courage to receive comfort and dream again
- Courage to stay humble and follow God’s path for the future.
- Courage to follow Nathan’s counsel.
Reflection
Courage requires wisdom to know what is best to do at that moment. Trying to change the past reflects a fear of the future and a lack of hope.
Her faith in God and character made a way for her future. As you think of Christmas and the women who became part of the story, remember that God uses broken vessels who focus on the future with God.
Where do I see myself in Bathsheba’s story?
Bathsheba ‘s victory is a reminder to us that no matter what has happened in our lives, we must rise up from the depths, and lift our bowed heads and keep looking up and on Jesus who alone can change our past to give us a glorious future.
Wow! I have never seen Bathsheba in the light shared her. She was a courageous woman who picked herself up, dusted herself and moved on to fulfil God’s plan for Israel. She birthed and raised the wisest men to every live on planet earth. Thank you for giving light to Bathsheba differently.
Bathsheba, is initially introduced as victim of King David’s abuse of power. She loses her husband and later a son, not to mention the negative energy (grief, politics, gossips, trauma) at the time. The courage she displayed was a steadfast faithfulness and resilience, facing these tragedies without bitterness and allowing God to work through her life. Her later actions show significant strength and influence.