While we may understand the importance of relationships, various obstacles can get in the way. For example, the pace of our lives and the overs-cheduled nature of our calendars can ensure that our relationships stay shallow. Furthermore, unhealthy patterns of connecting can interfere with our ability to know others well. So, how do we move past these factors? How do we move beyond these barriers to connecting?

As 2 Samuel closes, we see one surprising scene in the final chapter. It’s not the type of scene we might expect at the end of David’s life. Nonetheless, it’s a scene filled with several key principles that are significant for us today. Join us this Sunday as we conclude our study of the life of David.

David extols his love and praise for God’s work in his life. He repeatedly mentions God’s protection and care for him and thanks God for his steadfast love.

Has this happened to you? Over time, a particular relationship breaks down. You get caught in a downward cycle of relational conflict, and there are multiple factors involved. If that’s happened to you, how do you break cycle? In David’s life, his family relationships spiraled down in a tragic way. Yet, in the midst of this chaos, there were lessons he learned that can help us break these types of cycles. Join us Sunday, as we continue our study of the life of David.

David has been king for about 20 years. Through his prowess as a warrior and strategy as a military leader, he has established Israel as a powerful nation. The borders of the country reach from Egypt to the Euphrates, and the other nations recognize him as a king to be feared and honored. God has given David great success and at the height of his achievements, he makes a serious decision and allows human temptation to overshadow his heart for God. The prophet Nathan steps in and confronts David with his sins. The consequences are severe, but they also cause David to return to his heart for God.

In following the trajectory of David’s life, this week we will see an unexpected scenario. David had a great idea of what he could do for God, but God said “No!” How do we handle those situations where our good goals and plans are thwarted? What did David do to handle this situation well? We will explore that further on Sunday, as we continue our study of the life of David.

Have you ever wrestled with the idea that God seems different in the Old Testament? What about those places where people are struck dead because of disobedience? In following the life of David, we will come to one of those moments this week. It’s a scene where David is confronted with the reality of God’s holiness. Yet, it’s also the place where David learns that God’s holiness is actually the foundation for our joy.

Recently, have you found yourself in a new season of life? Maybe you’ve started a new job, or there’s been a change at work. Maybe you’ve moved or things have changed in your family or your relationships. If so, how do you handle this new season effectively? As we continue our study of David, his life changes after the death of King Saul. For David, it’s a new season that provides the opportunity for a new start. This Sunday, we will see how David embraces this moment well.

Sometimes the most revealing moments in a person’s life are the ones when they act in a way that’s unexpected. This week, we will look at one of those scenes in David’s life. It comes after the death of Saul, who for years had made life difficult for David. Nonetheless, David doesn’t rejoice at this news—he weeps. How is he able to respond in this moment without anger, vengeance, or bitterness? Join us this Sunday as we explore this unexpected response in David’s life.

In the preceding chapters in 1 Samuel, we see David as a man of integrity as he trusts God to deal with Saul’s jealousy and animosity of David. In this next scene, David’s emotions get the best of him, and he is ready to take the life of Nabal, a man who foolishly refuses to help David even though David and his men have been protecting Nabal’s flocks. A wise woman enters this precarious scene and helps David understand the grave error he is about to make.