Some people made King David and his loyal followers suffer a lot.

This story takes place while David is fleeing because his son Absalom is trying to take over the throne. As David and his officials leave Jerusalem and approach another town, a relative of the former king, Saul, comes out and curses David, saying, “Get out, get out, you murderer, you scoundrel!” And he pelts David and his officials with stones.

One of David’s military leaders complains about this humiliation. But David says, “If he is cursing because the Lord said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why do you do this?’ . . . My son, my own flesh and blood, is trying to kill me. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. It may be that the Lord will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse ­today.”

David admitted that all this trouble, from Absalom’s treason to Shimei’s cursing, could be God’s punishment on him for his wrongdoings. David understood he had done many things wrong. And in his repentance, he trusted God to forgive him and care for him.

We can do the same. We may have to face consequences for our actions, but God will also refresh us with his forgiveness and care.