Focal Passages: 2 Samuel
15:13-14, 24-26, 30-37; 19:7-8a
John F. Kennedy said, “When
written in Chinese, the word crisis is composed of two characters. One
represents danger and the other represents opportunity.”
Times of crisis come into
our lives when we least expect them. Health problems. Financial difficulties.
Death of a family member. How you handle the devastating circumstances in life
will be determined by how you live your life on a day-to-day basis.
If you trust God each day to
supply your needs, guide your steps, and take care of your family when things
are running smoothly — your natural inclination will be to trust Him to do the
same things when life seems out of control.
King David is a perfect
example of this. The background passages found in 2 Samuel 13-19 describe David
struggling with crises almost beyond our ability to comprehend: rape within the
family unit (13:1-22); family revenge resulting in murder (13:23-38);
reconciliation between estranged family members (14:1-33); rebellion from a
beloved child (15:1-17:29); the death of a child (18:1-33); and finally, the
necessity of returning to the responsibilities of life following a time of
great trial and tragedy (19:1-43).
Life is a wonderful gift
from the Lord. But if you live long enough, trials will surely come your way.
The keys to David’s ability to endure and persevere through the trials he had to
face were his faith, his friends, and his commitment to fulfill his
responsibilities to God and others.
David’s faith in God never
wavered. He wrote these words in the midst of dealing with the crises in his
life.
- “Cast your cares on the
Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall” (Ps. 55:22,
NIV). - “For you have been my
refuge, a strong tower against the foe” (Ps. 61:3, NIV). - “My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me” (Ps. 63:8, NIV).
David also turned to trusted
friends for help and advice in his time of need. He asked Hushai to stay in
Jerusalem as he and his men fled the city. He said, “Then you can help me by
frustrating Ahithophel’s advice” (15:34, NIV). David also listened to wise
counsel from his troops when they advised him not to march out with the units
headed for battle. The king answered, “I will do whatever seems best to you”
(18:4, NIV).
And in spite of his personal
loss, David knew that his people needed him. “So the king got up and took his
seat in the gateway” (19:8, NIV).
Need courage for facing your
next trial? Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 and remember the keys to King David’s
perseverance.