March 20, 2024 - 2 Samuel 14-17

David had so many problems in his life.  There were the threats from Saul from which the Lord delivered David.  There was his great sin for which he received forgiveness.  The death of his son, his and Bathsheba’s boy.  But, certainly, as a father, one of the greatest heartbreaks was the ongoing rebellions of his sons.  The story of Absalom is told, here.  How Absalom had turned against his father!  In Psalm 3, David begins, “A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. O Lord, how many are my foes!  Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul, ‘There is no salvation for him in God’” (Psalm 3:1-2).  Deceit.  Taunting.  Rebellion.  Heart break.  Tears flowing down.  Oh, the sadness of a father whose son has turned against him!  What does David do?  He does what he so often does and which we must do when so downtrodden.  He turned to the Lord:  “You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.  I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill.  I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me” (Psalm 3:3-5).  To rest in the Lord!

Thy holy wings O Savior,

Spread gently over me

And let me rest securely

Through good and ill in thee.

Oh, be my strength and portion,

My rock and hiding place,

And let my every moment

Be lived without thy grace.   -- Carolina Sandell (1865)