From the Hayward church of Christ Bulletin

The Things We Take Away

   There are things we take away from others at times with no thought. Some removals are done because of spitefulness, while others are justified. I want you to remember the pain you had within you as a child when someone took away your favorite toy. Children have the gift to move on to another area of focus once something is taken away from them. They acknowledge their parents have the power to restore what they have taken away. However, the older we get, the more difficult it is to accept the loss of what we cherish and thought was ours.

   David pleaded with Lord after he sinned against his Creator, Uriah the Hittite, and Bathsheba for the Lord not to take something away. Psalm 51:10-11 “ Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.” David knew God could make a better version of himself, and he was willing to open himself to change. His plea was for God not to take away his holy spirit. I Sam. 16:13-14  tells us that God gave David his Holy Spirit. As a result, David had peace, power, and confidence to be victorious in his endeavors.

   David saw what happened to Saul once God’s Spirit left him. His life spiraled out of control. Saul could not sleep, he was at odds with his family, and he put the nation of Israel at risk as he imploded. God’s decision to remove his Spirit from Saul was not taken lightly. God, all-knowing, knew who Saul was, and Saul himself proved he would not change. Saul, plagued by an evil spirit, removed his favor from David unjustly and tormented the man of God until it led to his own demise.

   As a people, we complement each other. I add to you, and you add to me. When you remove your kindness and favor from someone, you take something away from them. It could be their peace, sleep, or joy. We, like God, must take a stand against repetitive unrepentant sin. If a withdrawal occurs because of that, it is not done lightly. Make sure you are not taking away from your brother or sister because you are plagued with hurt. God can still create in you a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within you. AMEN

Courtney Henderson

Published 2/12/2022