Text: 1 Samuel 30
We are living in what many see as stressful times in our nation. We are a nation divided on so many issues. Our children are growing up in a time where overdoses, suicides, and school shootings are often perceived as the normal way of life. These tragic events in our society could lead even the strongest believer to become distressed. In this devotional, let us turn our distress to delight as David did in 1 Samuel 30.
In a recent study of the life of David, I have seen some truths about the relationship David had with his son, Absalom, that I have applied to my life with my heavenly Father. I hope they can be of some help to you.
The Mercy of the King
In 2 Samuel 13, Amnon forces himself upon his half-sister, Tamar, who is the sister of Absalom. Absalom becomes furious, enraged with hatred, and begins to plot his revenge on his half-brother, Amnon. For two years, Absalom waits until an opportune time to strike, which he does, and Absalom has Amnon killed.
Some time ago, while reading in the book of 2 Kings, the Lord showed me a great example of true revival. Please consider a few parallels to revival from this passage in our weekly devotional.
Revival occurs only when we are willing to make repairs.
2 Kings 22:5, "And let them deliver it into the hand of the doers of the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD: and let them give it to the doers of the work which is in the house of the LORD, to repair the breaches of the house,"
As we consider this week's events (the Lord's denial, betrayal, and crucifixion) in light of Palm Sunday, it all culminates on Sunday morning with the precious announcement of Matthew 28:6, "He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay." This verse can be broken up into three easy sections or thoughts:
There are many high points and low points in life. One moment everything seems to be going very well in our lives and we are on a proverbial mountain. The next moment everything seems to be falling apart and we are experiencing a very hard time and a low valley. If we are not careful, we will allow the circumstances of life to dictate our outlook on reality. We see one example of this in scripture in I Kings 19 with the story of Elijah. We see his mountain top experience in I Kings 18 when God used Elijah to proclaim the name of God to all the people of Israel. We see God manifesting Himself in such a powerful way through the life and testimony of Elijah. Yet he enters into one of the most discouraging times of his life immediately following in I Kings 19. Discouragement can come at any point in our lives, but often manifests itself after great mountain top experiences through false commanding thoughts of the mind and an improper focus on the words of man rather than the promises and presence of God.