I’d like to think I could never separate myself from the Lord.
And the apostle Paul reminds us that nothing can ever separate us from His love. [see: Rom. 8:38-39] But even if I unwittingly choose to “…grieve the Spirit,” I’m pushing the envelope. [see: Eph. 4:30]
I am, after all, a man originally created with an inherent nature to sin. [see: Rom. 7:14-25]
The problem is, that dog still hunts [1] in every man still drawing breath in this age. But it seems that every second I allow the Spirit to lead me, it’s impossible for me to grieve Him. [see: Rom. 8:5-10]
King David developed a similar pragmatic attitude about his faith and obedience to the Lord. While he was certainly a man after God’s own heart [2], he never pulled any punches about his imperfect nature. Nor did he ever persist trying to make excuses for his abhorrent behavior.
During the short time he tried to dance around his illegitimate affair with his best friend’s wife, he was slamming the door in the face of the Holy Spirit—over and over again. Remember also that he was about as “saved” as a man could be at that time.
The Lord had set him apart by anointing him King of His people.
Yet in spite of his conduct, he revered God. The Scriptures record no evidence that he sought any resentment or vengeance for the Lord’s judgement upon him. Instead, David demonstrated the epitome of repentance and contrition:
“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain [3] me with a willing spirit.” [Psa. 51:12] [my emphasis]
But then, could he have known instinctively that “sustaining” salvation required a prophylactic approach?
“Search me, O God, and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts, and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way. “ [Psa. 139:23-24] [my emphasis]
The Lord keeps His faithful train on the track.