2 Samuel 16

Scripture2 Samuel 16:11-12¹¹ David then said to Abishai and all his officials, “My son, my own flesh and blood, is trying to kill me. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. ¹² 

It may be that the Lord will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today.”

Observation

David has left Jerusalem and now finds himself cheated by Ziba and cursed by Shimei…and Shimei’s account is mostly inaccurate.  [While the Lord had brought the curse upon, it was not for any of the reasons that Shimei mentioned.]  BUT David receives this adversity with humility and hope. Abishei comes to David’s defense – ready to “take [Shimei’s] head off.”  But David doesn’t stop Shimei and doesn’t allow anyone else to either.  He was willing to hear what was being said and give credit – even of the cursing – to God.  David let Shimei speak because he saw the hand of God in every circumstance – His hand was on the future as well as the present.  And it’s evident that he is hopeful that if he does what is right NOW, God may “repay him with good.”

UnderstandingA few things that stood out to me…

• Even in the worst of circumstances, we can have hope and trust in God.
• Even when we fail and have to “sit in” the consequences of our sin, God can be present.
• Sometimes God can speak to us through the most unlikely of sources – in this case a harsh and lying critic.

Life ApplicationDear God, help me to keep my heart and eyes open to the many ways you may speak to me.  May I remain steadfast in my pursuit of you and stay hopeful – knowing that your will and plan for my life is bigger and better than what I can imagine.  May I be aware of where my own sin and choices have delayed my God-given blessings and promises.  Help me to be patient in the waiting and to steadfastly seek you.To check out the discussion or to join in click here.- Rei