Spiritual Warfare: 'Success and Power Can Lead to Bad Choices'

God's Power for Our Battles — Wednesday, September 17, 2025

In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath.
— 2 Samuel 11:1-2 NLT

Today's Prayer

Lord, after David became King and had great success, that success apparently led him to make bad choices-like staying home and sleeping late when he should have been out leading the Israelite army. Please don’t let my success go to my head and cause me to make bad choices. Help me to stay humble and focused and dependent on Your grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Spurgeon PM Devo for Jan. 17th
Devo: Morning & Evening
"At that hour David saw Bathsheba. We are never out of the reach of temptation. Both at home and abroad we are liable to meet with allurements to evil;..."

Illustration

Illustration of 2 Samuel 11:1-2 NLT — In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, September 17, 2025

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'The First Pains!' (Mt. 24:6-8)
"[To his disciples, Jesus continued:] "And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end....."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Recognize the Lord'
"O nations of the world, recognize the Lord; recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong. Give to the Lord the glory he deserves! Bring your..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
2 Corinthians 9:7
"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
2 Peter 3:9
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to..."

About This Devotional

Spiritual Warfare is a daily devotional about God's power for our battles.

The Prayer for Spiritual Warfare is written by Steve Hemphill.

More Spiritual Warfare