God Speaks
A Misinterpretation of David’s Intentions Leads to War
Verse of the Day: [David told his troops,] “Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of God. The LORD will do what is good in His sight.” (2 Samuel 10:12 and 1 Chronicles 19:13 NIV 2011 are identical,)
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Watch TBR Day 131
We Respond
Reflection: Consider the following questions regarding II Samuel 10, I Chronicles 19, and Psalm 20:
1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
II Samuel 10
1. God has a stake in every person’s life. He loves and cares for them whether they know or acknowledge it or not.
2. People (especially leaders) should be courageous, fight for what is right, and carry out the LORD’s will.
I Chronicles 19
1. God knows everyone’s true motives. We should consult Him before making decisions.
2. People are to comfort those who mourn, but they should expect to be possibly misunderstood.
Psalm 20
1. God answers the prayers and meets the needs of His chosen people.
2. People who love and depend on God will cry out to Him.
Prayer:
3. How might I pray regarding II Samuel 10, I Chronicles 19 and Psalm 20?
Dear Father God, thank You for loving all people including me. You understand our grief. Please send Your servants, as King David did, to comfort those who have lost a loved one to death. You understand when misunderstanding leads to humiliation. Please support those who are being humiliated because of either willful or unintentional misunderstanding. Keep Your people from jumping to wrong conclusions because of assumptions (out of fear) to the hurt of many. May we, Your people, consult You, be courageous, fight for what is right, and carry out the LORD’s will. Please give Your leaders plans and strategies to overcome their enemies, both physical and spiritual, visible and invisible. Send in reinforcements as needed, and then give them great victories. May we all surrender to King Jesus and serve Him. I also pray Psalm 20 back to You on behalf of Your people, especially those who are currently in the midst of some difficulty or persecution. Give them victory, O King Jesus, and answer their cry for help. This will bring You glory. LORD. AMEN
Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to II Samuel 10, I Chronicles 19, and Psalm 20? With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will look for opportunities to be courageous, fight for godly principles, and trust in God to carry out what He knows is best.
- I will visit and offer comfort to the loved ones of a friend who has died as King David tried to do.
- I will pray for my governmental leaders at every level.
- I will pray Psalm 20 on behalf of other people and watch how He answers.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.