Troubling Questions

Now David’s son Absalom had a beautiful sister named Tamar.  And Amnon, her half brother, fell desperately in love with her.  Amnon became so obsessed with Tamar that he became ill.  She was a virgin, and Amnon thought he could never have her. [2 Samuel 13.1-2]

Let the 'messed-up' begin!

I guess I shouldn't make light of the situation.  But this kind of thing is precisely what Nathan the prophet told David would occur in his family after David brazenly commuted adultery and murder on account of Bathsheba.

There is a hopelessness that accompanies sin.  How could David ever know when his punishment was complete?  How could David ever regain confidence in his relationship and right-standing with God?

Particularly in the case of family dysfunction, it would seem the subsequent 'curse' accompanying David's sin could have no end.  Once adultery has been committed, it cannot be undone.  Once a man is dead, it cannot be undone.  Once a child is dead, it cannot be undone.  Once a virgin daughter is raped by her brother, it cannot be undone.  Once a son retaliates and murders his brother, it cannot be undone.  And still more is to come.

One earlier right decision by David could have prevented a LOT of grief!  It would have been much better had David gone to war.  But he didn't.

What must it have been like for David to witness these events knowing that he himself had set them in motion?

As I consider David's situation today I find understanding how my decisions potentially affect those around me.  I furthermore see how sins in my past could account for trouble I experience today.  I would hope, as Jesus is my Redeemer and I have confessed my sin, that the consequences of my rebellion were covered in Jesus' stripes.  However, how can I know and then teach this hopefulness to, let's say, a young woman with an illegitimate child?

I find it necessary to content myself in justice.  I find it comforting to repent and still experience the consequences set in motion by my sin.  

But then, how do I pray and ask God for anything?  How do "I" determine what to pray for and what undesirable situations to merely accept as consequence for my sin (and therefore not pray for help with)?

Father, I have posed some questions here that are troubling.  Please help me to find answers to these questions above.  I am confident You have those answers for me and, that You want me to learn those answers as part of my journey.