Trust Issues

What would happen if you constantly lived your life in fear? What if worry consumed your every thought and action? The answer: defeat. You would be living a defeated life, which is not what God desires for you. Uncertainty can cause fear and worry, but what counteracts those emotions?

Read 2 Samuel 15:24-26. Pay close attention to verse 26.

What was David’s reaction to his current situation?

Was he trusting God or giving into his fear and worry? Explain.

When you are faced with a life crisis, what is your response? Why?

Do you trust God to get you through it? Why or why not?

How have you exhibited trust in God during tough times?

How have you tried to fix things yourself rather than trust God during tough times?

David completely trusted God’s plan for his life. Though his future was extremely uncertain, he understood that God knew what was best. David showed great faith in his decision. He was ready to embrace whatever the Lord had in store for him.

Uncertainty is a part of life. We never know what the future holds, but we know who does. God sees the big picture and knows what is best for us. Even in hard times, you must remain strong and dependent upon God for guidance and direction. There will be times when it seems all hope is lost, but never lose faith. Hold firm to what you know is true. Trust the God who has never deserted you and never will. God has an amazing plan for your life. Trust Him to get you where He wants you.

However, if He should say, “I do not delight in you,” then here I am—He can do with me whatever pleases Him.” —2 Samuel 15:26

Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Adapted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources, Camp Crestridge, Camp Ridgecrest, ec Magazine, LifeWay Christian Resources, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotions | Leave a reply

For Such a Time

Think about that person in your life who stands with you through everything. Maybe it’s your best friend, a teacher, your student minister, your camp counselor, or your mom or dad. Maybe you have more than one person who fills that role. How does it feel to have these people with you through the midst of life’s storms? Take a moment to imagine how difficult it would be to weather a storm of life without those people in your life.

Read 2 Samuel 15:19-22. Don’t miss verse 21.

What was happening in these verses?

Who was Ittai?

Had he been with King David for long? Explain. (Notice verse 20.)

What did David tell him?

What was Ittai’s response to the king?

How do you think David felt when he realized he had such a loyal subject during that tough time?

What do these verses teach you about how God uses people in our lives to comfort us through times of despair?

Who is a person in your life whom you know God has placed there just for you? Take a moment and thank God for him or her.

Ittai was a foreigner, yet his devotion to David was obvious. Imagine how encouraging and comforting Ittai’s words must have been to David. When everything was going wrong, David had a friend who was willing to stand beside him through it all. Know this: God is always with you, but often, He puts other people in our lives to help carry the burdens of tough times. Look for and embrace the people He has placed in your life for tough times.

But in response, Ittai vowed to the king, “As the Lord lives and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king is, whether it means life or death, your servant will be there!” —2 Samuel 15:21

Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Adapted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources, Camp Crestridge, Camp Ridgecrest, ec Magazine, LifeWay Christian Resources, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotions | Leave a reply

He’ll Be There For You

Have you ever been betrayed by a close friend or loved one? In situations like those, the betrayal cuts deeper and hurts more. Think back to that time. How did you feel? Angry? Vulnerable? Alone?

Read 2 Samuel 15:1-4,10-14.   Focus on verse 13.

Who was Absalom?

What was Absalom trying to do to his father, King David?

How do you think David felt when his son’s plot came to light?

Why is it so hurtful when a friend or family member betrays you?

During times of betrayal, how can you trust and rely on God to get you through it?

What are some ways you can cling to His mighty arms through hard times?

In today’s passage, you read the story of Absalom trying to overthrow his father. Absalom’s scheme was clever and deceitful, and many people joined him in his attempt to double-cross his dad. David was probably heartbroken over his son’s decision to take such drastic action against him, yet through it all, David had a heavenly Supporter.

The same is true for you. No matter what betrayal or difficult experience you’re currently muddling through, God hasn’t left you and never will. God will always be there for you, especially in the tough times. He is a true Friend who will never betray your trust or lead you astray. Your Heavenly Father will stick with you through everything—the good, the bad, and the ugly. You can rely on His love, strength, and guidance to help you. But you have to choose to do so. Have you?

Then an informer came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.”
—2 Samuel 15:13

Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Adapted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources, Camp Crestridge, Camp Ridgecrest, ec Magazine, LifeWay Christian Resources, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotions | Leave a reply

In The Storm

Read Matthew 7:24-27.

STORMS. They come in all varieties and intensities. In 2005, the world witnessed the devastation of Hurricane Katrina as it hit the Gulf Coast. Many people died, and the damage was immeasurable. This tragic event is proof that weather is unpredictable. The only certainty is that storms will come.

Life is the same way. We don’t know what tomorrow holds, but we hope for the best. Storms in life are not something any of us like to think about, but the fact is, they’re inevitable. We don’t get a free pass out of the tough times of life. We never know how intense life’s storms will be or how long they will last. It’s a harsh reality, but if you’re not in a storm of life right now, you’re headed for one.

Don’t let that freak you out! Jesus told us exactly what to do in today’s devotion passage. In these verses, He told the story of two houses: one built on rock and the other with a foundation of sand. When storms came, the house built upon the rock stood strong. The house built on the sand didn’t fare so well.

The point? You must set your foundation on the Rock—Jesus. He is your source of strength and protection through the storms of life. No matter how bad they get, He will keep you firmly planted. Know Scripture, have an active prayer life, go to church, read the Bible, and develop a strong relationship with your Savior. Don’t put your faith in the shifting sands of the world. Go to the Rock!

“The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock.”
—Matthew 7:25

Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Adapted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources, Camp Crestridge, Camp Ridgecrest, ec Magazine, LifeWay Christian Resources, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotions | Leave a reply

Talk About It

Think about the last time you were overwhelmingly happy. What happened? On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest, what would you rate the level of your joy? How good did you feel?

Read Psalm 32:1-5, reading verse 1 aloud.

Why is David happy in this psalm?

When have you felt the joy of confessing a sin and having God forgive it?

What do these verses teach you about God’s attitude when He forgives our sin?

According to this passage, how did David feel before he confessed his sin? Why?

What happened when he admitted his sin to God?

What sin do you need to acknowledge before God so you can experience this kind of joy?

David was joyous when he wrote this psalm, not because he’d gotten everything he wanted or everything seemed to be working out for his benefit. He was joyous because he had experienced the joy of God’s forgiveness. The weight of his sin had been almost unbearable. Just consider the phrases he used when he described how he felt when he was trapped in that sin. He groaned; his strength was drained. His sin was an unbearable burden, and when he admitted it to God, God took it all away. David was happy and joyous because he was free.

You can experience that freedom, too. Just confess your sin to God and let Him lift the weight. Do you know the joy of God’s forgiveness? What sins are keeping you from experiencing it? Tell Him. It’s worth it.

How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! —Psalm 32:1

Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Adapted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources, Camp Crestridge, Camp Ridgecrest, ec Magazine, LifeWay Christian Resources, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotions | Leave a reply

Sin Isn’t A Mess You Can Clean Up On Your Own

Clean sheets. Clean clothes. A clean room. What do those three things have in common?

Clean sheets are comforting and refreshing after a long day. Clean clothes feel good, especially if you’ve been dirty and sweaty. A clean room is just peaceful. So what about a clean heart? What does that feel like? What does it even mean? And why is it important?

Read Psalm 51:10-13. Memorize verse 10.

What does David ask God to do?

What is a “clean heart” and a “steadfast spirit”?

Would you describe yourself as having either? Why or why not?

Why is it important that David came to God and sought His forgiveness?

Do you need God to create a clean heart in you? Why or why not?

David had come to the point where he knew he couldn’t live with his sin anymore. He couldn’t control it; it was overwhelming his life. And he realized that he couldn’t clean up his sin-wrecked life or his heart on his own. So he came to God, asking Him to forgive and renew him.

We spend a lot of time trying to forget, hide, or overlook our sin. When we do recognize it, some of us like to try to clean the mess up ourselves. The problem is, we can’t. Only God can renew us; only He can create clean hearts that are focused on Him and His work. Stop trying to clean up the mess sin has made of your life. Give it all to God; He wants to make you new. And He’s the only One who can.

God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. —Psalm 51:10

Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Adapted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources, Camp Crestridge, Camp Ridgecrest, ec Magazine, LifeWay Christian Resources, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotions | Leave a reply

Sin Is Heavy

Think about the last time you felt like you had a weight on your shoulders. Maybe you were worried about something or someone. Maybe you knew somewhere deep inside that the way you were living was wrong. Whatever the reason, how did it feel when that weight was finally lifted? Good or bad? Why?

Read Psalm 51:1-4, concentrating on verse 2.

What was the weight on David’s shoulders?

When have you felt the weight of sin in your life?

In verse 2, David asked God to cleanse him from his sin. Why is that important?

Why can’t we get rid of our sin on our own?

What sin in your life are you trying to manage rather than confess?

What steps will you take today to let go of that sin and let God lift your burden?

David was weighed down by the burden of his sin. Try as he might, David had discovered he couldn’t manage his sin. He couldn’t control it; he couldn’t get rid of it; he couldn’t fix the broken relationship with God. Broken, he came to God and confessed his sin.

When we do that, God doesn’t just restore His relationship with us; He also forgives us and lifts the burden of our sin, freeing us from it. Sin traps us and weighs us down, but we don’t have to stay that way. Confess your sin today and let God lift the weight of it off your shoulders.

Wash away my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. —Psalm 51:2

Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Adapted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources, Camp Crestridge, Camp Ridgecrest, ec Magazine, LifeWay Christian Resources, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotions | Leave a reply

Take Responsibililty

When you play hide-and-seek with a 3-year-old, you don’t have to have a lot of strategic plans in order to win. That’s because 3-year-olds think they’re hidden when they’re not. The child may think he or she has found the perfect hiding place, but to you, his or her location is easy to spot. Now what does that have to do with sin?

Read 2 Samuel 12:1-12. Really pay attention to verse 7.

Who was Nathan and why did God send him to talk to David? (Nathan was a prophet of God.)

How would you summarize the story Nathan told David?

Why did Nathan tell David the story rather than just launching into the list of David’s sins? What does that teach you about God?

What was the symbolism in the story?

What was David’s reaction to Nathan’s tale?

What do these verses teach you about God’s response to sin?

How did David respond when he recognized his sin?

How should you respond when you recognize sin in your life?

Just like a 3-year-old playing hide-and-seek, sin can’t stay hidden for long. David thought he’d hidden his sin pretty well. Then, Nathan showed up. God knew about David’s sin, and that sin was causing problems in their relationship. You can’t hide your sin from God; He knows it and wants to forgive you and get His relationship with you back on track. But you have to take responsibility for your sin. Being forgiven begins with admitting to God that you have sinned. When you confess your sin and repent from it, meaning you turn from it, God freely forgives. What do you need to do today to feel His forgiveness in your life?

Nathan replied to David, “You are the man! This is what the Lord God of Israel says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul.’” —2 Samuel 12:7

Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Adapted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources, Camp Crestridge, Camp Ridgecrest, ec Magazine, LifeWay Christian Resources, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotions | Leave a reply

Stop The Cycle of Sin

What a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive. How many times have you heard that little proverb? The problem? That saying is true.

Think about it. When has a decision to do one wrong thing led to a whole cycle of wrong in your life? What did you learn about yourself? How did you feel? Did everything spiral out of control? Explain.

Concentrate on verse 15 as you read 2 Samuel 11:6-17.

What was the first sin David committed?

How did he try to cover it up?

What was Uriah’s reaction when David tried to set his first cover-up plan into motion?

How is Uriah’s response an honorable response?

How does his honorable response compare to David’s behavior?

How did one sinful choice in David’s life spiral out of control?

What does this series of events in David’s life teach you about sin in your life?

What steps will you take today to stop the cycle of sin in your life?

David’s decision to sleep with Bathsheba led to a cycle of sin that overtook his life. Trying to cover up that first sin led to deception, lies, and eventually murder. David, the man after God’s own heart, had chosen to sin. Before he knew it, sin ruled his life. That’s what sin does. It destroys and generally leads to more sin and more consequences. Before we know it, one sinful choice has spiraled out of control and now sin rules every part of our lives.

If that describes you today, there is a way out of sin’s trap. Let it go. Admit your sin to God, turn away from it, and let His forgiveness and restoration play out in your life. Let Him control your life rather than a cycle of sin you can’t escape from.

In the letter he wrote: Put Uriah at the front of the fiercest fighting, then withdraw from him so that he is struck down and dies. —2 Samuel 11:15

Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Adapted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources, Camp Crestridge, Camp Ridgecrest, ec Magazine, LifeWay Christian Resources, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotions | Leave a reply

No Immunity

Read 2 Samuel 11:2-5.

I won’t ever do that!, we say to ourselves as we look at someone else’s sin. What are the sins you’ve promised yourself you’d never commit? Lying? Becoming addicted to pornography? Premarital sex? Treating some people better than others? Saying one thing and doing the opposite?

The thing is, none of us are immune to sin. Actually, sin is hardwired into us, thanks to the sin nature we inherited from Adam and Eve. It’s easy for us to stand at a distance and point our fingers and say, “I’ll never do that!” But the truth is, we’re all capable of all sin at any given moment.

Nothing proves that truth more than today’s Scripture passage. Earlier, in 1 Samuel 13:14, David had been described as a man who was loyal to God, a man after God’s own heart. Yet in today’s passage he chose to sleep with Bathsheba, who was someone else’s wife. David was the king and a man after God’s own heart. And what he had done was wrong. At this point in his life, when he was given the opportunity, he chose to sin. David wasn’t immune to sin, and neither are you.

But as a believer, you can also choose not to sin. Christ has given you the strength and power to choose right over wrong, but you have to make that choice. Recognize that you aren’t immune to sin. Then, take steps to decide how you’ll react when opportunities to sin come along, because they will. You aren’t immune to sin, but you can overcome it with Christ’s help. The question is, will you let Him help you?

David sent messengers to get her, and when she came to him, he slept with her. Now she had just been purifying herself from her uncleanness. Afterward, she returned home. —2 Samuel 11:4

Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Adapted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources, Camp Crestridge, Camp Ridgecrest, ec Magazine, LifeWay Christian Resources, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotions | Leave a reply