2 Samuel 12:23 But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall return to me.
David’s newborn son was sick for seven days, and then died. While he was alive briefly, David fasted and mourned. But after he died, he rose up to eat and enjoy life. When God did not answer his prayer to save his life, David resigned himself to accept God’s will, knowing that He is always good. This example teaches us to respond with heartfelt prayer and faith during a crisis; but when the prayer does not get answered the way we want we accept God’s good and gracious will. We believe He really does have our best interests at heart.
The more remarkable faith response of David was to believe resurrection and reunion in another life: “I shall go to him.” The promise of resurrection and the gift of eternal life is the most powerful truth we take away from the Word of God. It overrides and overwhelms all of our temporal cares and troubles. We respond with this real hope: Jesus is with us now and we will be with him forever.