2 Samuel 15:1-37
It's hard for me to even imagine the emotions David must have been feeling as he was forced to leave his home and city because of Absalom's conspiracy to be king. This is most certainly one of David's darkest days, yet his response was exceptional. It spoke volumes to me about his relationship with the Lord. Look at verses 24-26. In the middle of an awful situation, we don't see David losing his cool. He isn't panicked or flustered. Instead we see composure and complete trust and submission to the Lord. "'But if he [the Lord] says, "I have no pleasure in you," behold, here I am, let him do to me what seems good to him'" (verse 26).
I want to be more like David when that unexpected chaos comes into my life--and it always does. So how do we get there? How do we develop absolute trust and submission to God? Tami W.
This is something I've really been learning lately. Trust God in all things. I think we learn this through practice--something I've been getting often :)
God is in control ultimately and it's something we can't change, so we must learn to simply accept it. Beginning to see things in an eternal light is key to trust. God's plan is everlasting not instantaneous--we each only have a small part to play. Trust.
I'm in correspondence with a friend who has a similar problem wanting to be in that place of absolute trust. I was praying about this and a verse came to mind; it was what Jesus said in Luke 7:47, "Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven--for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little." That's the answer I believe! David was forgiven much, therefore he loved much. We too need to reflect upon how much we're forgiven and the end result would be loving much.
God's Word is so amazing that there is nothing we face that has not already been illustrated somehow in His Word for our instruction. We are never alone, no matter what the circumstance. Praise God.
This is a case of reaping the consequences of sin. David had his Bathsheba episode and now the chickens are coming home to roost. David upset another household and now his is being upset. David's biggest problem seems to be that he does not discipline any of his children because he lacks a moral base because of his past sin. But David does teach us to flee to the rock of our salvation when trouble comes; we may not always be righteous in our behavior but we are always loved by our God through Christ Jesus our Lord
Thank you for your comments Rebecca & Ed -- Rebecca you said "God is in control ultimately and it's something we can't change, so we must learn to simply accept it" I agree but with prayer all things are possible --even that we receive peace that there will be no change in a situation.
Despite all that David went through (and we know it was alot), he was/is still known as a man after God's own heart. I admire that although he sinned,like all of us, he always asked God for His forgiveness. The calm and peace we just read about can only come from a heart that is saturated in Christ. Knowing that God has a plan and purpose for our lives and accepting that He's in control, no matter what, is a good start to be where David was.
27 The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer?"
What is meant by that term in this verse? Can't mean a psychic of sorts, since David is aware of God's disdain for such occult. Thanks.
Thanks for sharing all your comments from the heart. As Samantha says God has a plan and purpose for our lives and if we let "His Word be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path" Psalm 119:105. If we truly believe and trust in Him, He will be there for us. He says so and whatever He says we should live by it. We will fail Him many times but we must confess our sins and seek His forgiveness as 1John 1:9 says.
No matter what adversity comes our way, never ever think that God has turned His back on us. He is there and looking to see if we truly trust and believe in Him. We do not know why somethings happen to us but we can be sure that one day we will all know as He will make it quite clear. That is my belief. Do not forget He made us in His image. He loves us and He sends the Comforter. When others are against you pray for them as our Lord has taught us. If they are hungry, feed them. It is hard to do this but He has said so and we must trust Him and see what happens.
All the very best to you all and may God continue to guide and lead us.
Kevin,
The word "seer" is sometimes used of the prophets. Other times it's used to refer to someone who had a God-given gift of discernment and wisdom. Since Zadok was a priest, it's most likely this latter meaning is intended. A seer is different from a medium or sorcerer because the seer's wisdom came from God. The apparent wisdom of all others has its source in Satan or familiar spirits (demons).
Allen, Biblical Correspondent at Back to the Bible
I believe that 'absolute trust and submission to God' comes with time spent with Him....learning His Word, spending time in prayer, waiting on Him. These words from David came as a result of Knowing WHO God was to Him, a relationship forged in good times and bad. In times of obedience AND times of disobedience. Praise God that He promised to never leave nor forsake us. Our responsibility is to pursue Him with our whole heart.
good verse