«The way of the Lord is strength for the upright, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity»  (Proverbs 1():29). 

David had accomplished so much with God’s help. In a short time, he had managed to subdue his enemies and was the official leader of the people of Israel. Actually, he was getting used to winning. And that is a very delicate moment for a believer. Then Satan began to whisper something like this: «Hey, David, you really are a good warrior. It’s something you’ve been good at, since you were a child! Besides, you’ve become the best leader in Israel. None of your predecessors can compare to you. All you have, you owe to your great ability to govern!

«Little by little, the young monarch started believing the devil’s whispers and was convinced that he had to reorganize his armed forces and consolidate his leadership.

Suddenly, he forgot that all his victories were the result of God’s leadership, the supreme commander of the people of Israel. He lost sight that he was an instrument to fulfill the will of the Lord in this world. No war was his. Then, full of pride, he ordered a census of the people to know how many people there were so he could organize his upcoming battles. So he ordered Joab, the army general of Israel, to do the work. The petition surprised the Hebrew military and saddened the heart of God.

Later, the king realized that he had offended his heavenly Father. God’s judgment on this matter shook David and drove him away from his presence. He was not able to approach Him to pray: «But David could not go before it to inquire of God, for he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the Lord» (1 Chronicles 21:30).

Have you lost the ability to pray? Do you think God doesn’t listen to you anymore and it’s not worth talking to Him? Is it possible that your mistakes have taken you away from prayer? Be careful! Don’t fall into that trap. Nothing can keep you away from the love of God, not even your own sins, however shameful they may be: «For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any Other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord» (Romans 8:38, 39). It’s never too late to pray!

This morning, I want to invite you to confess to the Lord your lack of interest in prayer. Don’t hide anything from Him. He will understand you and change your life.