God Speaks
King David Expresses His Emotions in Various Situations
Verse of the Day: [When delivering a message, may we be as wise as Ahimaaz.] Then Ahimaaz called out to the king, “All is well!” He bowed down before the king with his face to the ground and said, “Praise be to the LORD your God! He has delivered up those who lifted their hands against my lord the king.” (2 Samuel 18:28 NIV 2011)
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Watch TBR Day 137
We Respond
Reflection: Consider the following questions regarding 2 Samuel 16-18:
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.
2 Samuel 16
1. God knows the true motives of people like Ziba, Shimei, and Ahithophel.
2. Because of our sinful nature, most people look out for their own needs or interests rather than those of others.
2 Samuel 17
1. God uses various means to protect His chosen people like King David and the two young men who were sent to warn him.
2. Sometimes people become so upset about suffering shame that they take drastic measures, like Ahithophel.
2 Samuel 18
1. God always upholds His own commandments. Although what Joab did was wrong (murdering Absalom), God used it to deliver the just death sentence to Absalom because he was dishonoring his father, David.
2. People in positions of leadership, like King David, should listen to the people under them and weigh their advice as he did.
Prayer:
3. How might I pray regarding 2 Samuel 16-18?
Dear LORD God, You are the author of justice and righteousness. You have the right and ability to hold people accountable for their wrong motives and actions. Please help me to put the needs and desires of others ahead of my own, cheerfully and without grumbling or complaining. Enable me to take criticism graciously, as coming from You for my good, as David did. Please give me discernment in assessing the counsel of others. May I always consult You before making a decision. Use me to assist and protect those who are trying to do the right thing as with the two young men who were going to warn David. Give me compassion for those who are suffering shame and disgrace to prevent them from taking their own precious lives. LORD God, You always uphold Your commandments. May I do so as well. Please cause the leaders of my nation (USA) to really listen to the wise counsel of the ordinary people, do what You show them, and do what is best for the nation, not just their own thoughts and agenda. In all things may we 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 16-18? With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will ask God to reveal the true motives of people so they can be corrected or if necessary, prosecuted.
- I will defend or protect people I’m aware of who are being unjustly persecuted.
- I will volunteer to work on a suicide prevention hot line.
- I will examine my own motives to see where I am focusing on my own needs or interests rather than those of others.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.