Get Up, Look Up, and Go On

A forgiven sinner, David, the “man after God’s own heart” wrote many poignant psalms, including songs that express his passionate outpouring of confession, a con­trite spirit, and the sparkling brilliance of joy.

Can you imagine that this tragic trial was a part of the brilliance of joy— a mortal illness taking a newborn child due to the sins of the father! This was the situation with David’s child conceived during his affair with Bathsheba. He mourned and he repented. Then the scripture tells us, “David arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he went into the house of the lord and worshiped… and he ate” (2 Samuel 12:20).

David harbored no bitterness toward God. He accepted the responsibility for his wrongdoings. He wrote, “I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against You [God], You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight—that You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when You judge” (Psalm 51:3-4). David owned his sin and considered the Lord to be “gracious… and righteous; yes… [and] merciful” (Psalm 116:5).

Follow David’s example of going on after a season of sin or tragedy. Do you need to…

  • Get up—rise up from the ground?
  • Wash up—wash yourself?
  • Dress up—change clothes?
  • Look up—enter into the presence of the Lord?
  • Pray up—spend time in prayer and worship?
  • Eat up—take in nourishment?
  • Go on—move forward?

What marvelous instruction and resolve you can draw from dear David! He shows you a pattern for spiritual growth: Your role is to rise up and go on. God’s role is to sustain you along the way… and He promises to do just that!

These truths are a powerful prompt to lift up your praise to God, rise up, and go on your journey with the Lord. Your confidence in Him will grow as you explore and claim the promises God offers to you.

He Giveth More Grace

He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions, He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

Annie Johnson Flint

Find more challenges and insights into your godly role in A Man After God’s Own Heart by Jim George.

Read Get Up, Look Up, and Go On on Elizabeth & Jim George.


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Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.

Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.


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