Gospel Hope For Heart Breaking Nopes

Sometimes you can give all you have, suffer all you can endure, pray all you are able, and still not get the outcome you want. You can do all you can yet it is not enough.

In 2 Samuel 12 we learn that David's son is sick. In response, he does everything he can to change his circumstance, even fasting and praying on the ground for seven days (12:16-18). Yet, his child still died.

How do we respond to earth shattering, faith testing disappointment?

First, we must learn to take "No" for an answer. This is much easier said than done. David did all he could, but the Lord had other plans. "No" and "not yet" are answers to prayers, even if they aren't answers we like.

"But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David understood that the child was dead. And David said to his servants, 'Is the child dead?' They said, 'He is dead.'"

— 2 Samuel 12:19

Second, we must pick ourselves up, wash our face, and raise our hands. Oh, and eat some good food!

"Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. He then went to his own house. And when he asked, they set food before him, and he ate.".- 2 Samuel 12:20 ESV

Third, we must look around and comfort those in your care.

"Then David comforted his wife, Bathsheba...".- 2 Samuel 12:24 ESV

Fourth, we must press on and trust the Lord. He isn't done with you yet. Set backs aren't shutdowns. What you desire may not come in the way or the timeline you desire. God gave David another child.

"Then David comforted his wife, Bathsheba, and went in to her and lay with her, and she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. And the LORD loved him and sent a message by Nathan the prophet. So he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD." — 2 Samuel 12:24-25 ESV

Finally, we must recognize that even if whatever it is never comes, Jesus proves to be better than anything life can offer. He stands ready with sympathy, steadfast love, and compassion that will meet you, carry you, and satisfy you. Consider the words, "And the LORD loved him" (12:24).

Solomon's name means peace, and Nathan gave him another name, Jedidiah, "beloved of Jehovah." This isn't just true for newborn Solomon, but also for David as well! He is beloved by Jehovah and God gave him peace. Through the darkest night, His love got the last word.

Our Savior Jesus Christ knows what it is to be disappointed, distraught, and devastated by grief. Isaiah reminds us, "Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows" (Isaiah 53:4).

The cross is strong enough to carry our sins and disappointments. The borrowed tomb is deep enough to bury them. The empty tomb is powerful enough to turn even the darkest night into a glorious day. What appears to be evil, God intends for good (Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28)!

May King David and King Jesus (the greater David) provide us gospel hope when we receive a heart breaking "Nope."

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." — 1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV