“Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness…” 2 Timothy 2:22

In the story of Joseph’s encounter with Potiphar’s wife in Genesis 39:11-12 we find a great example of how to “flee youthful lusts” when the devil attempts to lead us astray.

11 One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. 12 She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.

Joseph’s response to the opportunity to “have” another man’s wife did not include words. He wisely didn’t reason with the temptress nor did he reason with himself. To have argued with her would have resulted in hearing more of her enticing flattery that he’d have to process.

To have talked to himself about how strong he thought he might be to resist her would likely have been futile since “…the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)  

Instead of words, Joseph reacted with action. He chose to RUN!

One of the reasons his decision to run was so smart is because its impossible to be involved physically with someone when you’re running from them. (And, its not possible to watch a computer or TV screen or look at a magazine when you’re running!)

I offer the song, “Run,” to help you remember this powerful response to temptation. I hope it helps you to keep your spiritual tennis shoes on and be ready to…RUN! 

I also hope this song and visual will remind you to not only run FROM temptation but to run TO the Lord who has provided the way of escape…its called, a door…the one that leads to the Cross!

“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man, and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but will with the temptation provide the way of escape also, that you will be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

“What do I do when I’ve morally failed?”

When we are asked this question we always point to David’s response to moral failure that is recorded in Psalm 51. First, when Nathan the prophet helped David see that his adulteress actions with Bathsheba were sinful, he didn’t deny it. Instead, he “owned it.”

As difficult as it might have been for David to admit his sin, it was the first step to experiencing God’s forgiveness. With an awareness of his wrongdoing weighing heavy on his heart he was more willing to cry out to God for His mercy.

The words of repentance that came from David’s mouth were formed deep in his heart. They echo in the scriptures today for any of us to use who have come to grips with our sin. Thankfully, a songwriter named Mike Hudson captured those words as well as the emotion in them in his song we recorded called, “David’s Song.”

If you are struggling with guilt as a result of moral failure, let David’s cry be your own. Learn the chorus of this song and sing it each time a wave of guilt comes and tries to drown your spirit in guilt. Most important, may God impress on you that He has already answered your prayer. Forgiveness for sin of any kind was accomplished through the cross, the burial and the resurrection of Jesus. It is available right now. Accept it, thank Him for it and rejoice in it today!

“David’s Song”

In the spring of the year when kings go out

For fighting and for fame

Trumpets split the dawn

And the women waved, the children cheered

As the army marched away and I the king stood looking on

 

Have mercy on me O God, according to your steadfast love

According to your great compassion, blot out my many transgressions

And wash away all my iniquity, cleanse me from sin

 

In the cool of the night, when sleep should bring

An ending to the day

I climbed the palace stairs

And from my roof I looked below

And I would not look away from the woman who was there

 

Have mercy on me O God, according to your steadfast love

According to your great compassion, blot out my many transgressions

And wash away all my iniquity, cleanse me from sin

 

I sent for her, she came to me, I brought her to my room

Though she another’s wife

The night was sweet as we embraced, though passing much too soon

Then the day came like a knife

 

Oh God, why was I so hard hearted, why I was I so willing to give in

Please hold on to me, help me hold on to you

Don’t let me fall like that again

 

Have mercy on me O God, according to your steadfast love

According to your great compassion, blot out my many transgressions

And wash away all my iniquity, cleanse me from sin

 

Mike Hudson/Shepherd’s Fold Music/1983

From the CD, “Finish Well” / Steve & Annie Chapman/S&A Family