Alive and Active

In 2nd Samuel 17, Absalom finds the advice of Hushai is better than that of Ahithophel. The Lord was the one who caused Absalom to have bad advice. Absalom didn't realize that Hushai was an advocate of David. As believers, we can trust in God's sovereignty even if the odds are against us and we must live in the paint with the Lord.

2 Samuel 16 describes how Ahithophel is giving Absalom bad advice. David had refreshed himself and he was now thinking right and keeping his eyes up and looking to the Lord. The Lord was the one who was frustrating the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom. As Christians we need to be able to discern what is godly advice and what is worldly advice. God is sovereign and the word of God helps us see clearly.

What is our aim in life? The world will rapidly change around us, but as believers, our aim has to be on the Lord Jesus Christ who never changes. David could have gotten immediate revenge in 2 Samuel 16, but he refreshed himself in the Lord. David had the right aim in life. Do we?

David is trying to figure out who he can trust and who is for real. God’s sovereignty is at play as David leaves town and prays for wisdom. In 2 Samuel 16, David realized that Ziba, whom he thought was a friend, was actually throwing Mephibosbeth, Sauls grandson, under the bus. Later, Shimei threw stones at David and cursed him, but David remained calm and he knew that God was in control and His timing is perfect.

Absalom has stolen the kingship from David and David is being run out of town. David has a mix of fickle and faithful people in his life. In 2 Samuel 15, Absalom conspired for a rebellion, but people like Zadok, Abiathar, and Ittai pledged their support for David. However, one of David's counselors named Ahithophel, joined Absalom. We must remember that God is sovereign and He works all things out for His purpose and His plans will unfold and our job is to seek Him no matter the circumstances.

Proverbs 21:1 says, "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will." Our lives are like jigsaw puzzles where one piece connects to another piece, which connects to another piece, until all the pieces are connected. Sometimes we might get frustrated when things aren't working out as we think they should, but we must remember that God is sovereign and He controls all things. God directs our life and we need to be ready to move wherever He might take us. We can point people to the Lord, trust in his sovereignty and not lose it when things don't go our way.

In 2nd Samuel 16, David is escaping from town since Absalom had stolen the hearts of the people. Shimei used to be a big fan of David when he was King, but now he curses David and hits him with stones. David knew how to handle fickle fans like Shimei. There's going to be fickleness and faithfulness but we must look to the sovereignty of God.

As believers, how do we react when plans change and interruptions come our way? Jesus Christ routinely was interrupted but he always got back to the truth. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday today and forever and his character does not change. We need to be heavy on the truth and light on our feet so we can adapt to whatever comes our way.

In Psalm 3, we see how David responded when he fled from his son Absalom. David called out to the Lord and the Lord answered him and sustained him. The Lord wasn't going to let David fall flat on his face. The Lord met David and He lifted his head high. Our performance isn't what the Lord looks at. His perfect love covers us and we can be people who help lift others up when they are going through a tough time.

2 Samuel 15 describes how David is being kicked out of Jerusalem. In the midst of the embarrassment and sadness from leaving his kingship, David goes to the Lord and he is greatly encouraged by Him. Psalm 3 details how the Lord is David's shield and it is the Lord who lifts his head high. The Lord sees our pain and our tears and we can be encouraged in the Lord just like David was. The Lord will lift our heads up when we face challenging times and we can let the Lord turn our friction into traction.