A perspective on painful Problems

 Read 2 Samuel 16. 

Whenever there is a change in leadership, some are sad, some are mad, and some are glad. 

Wherever there is a leadership vacuum, a rush to power is sure to come. 

Amazingly, none of those who rushed to seize control of the kingdom appear to have consulted the LORD on what He wanted done.  This entire picture is one of selfish desire for power and/or revenge. 

Ziba feigned sadness at David's departure, even bringing refreshments.  He told David that Mephibosheth remained in Jerusalem with hope to be king.  Remember, he was Saul's grandson. 

Shimei, also from the tribe of Benjamin, was mad.  He threw rocks at David as the king journeyed in exile.  

Absalom was glad.  He entered Jerusalem as some conquering hero.  In order to establish himself as the leader and show complete separation from David, he put on a public display of violating his father's concubines.  Nathan prophesied this in 12:11 as one of the consequences of David's sin. 

All of these things, of course, was enormously painful for David to endure.  The rejection, betrayal, disrespect, abuse and sinful acts against him were unprecedented.  Yet, he demonstrated unusual spiritual insight into what was taking place.  

He could have retaliated.  He could have stayed to fight.  He could have beheaded Shimei.  He could have cursed and blamed the LORD.  Instead, he recognized that all power belongs to God.  It is He who raises up one and puts down another.  David accepted the humiliation as from the LORD's hand.  Then, he expressed his faith that God had a hope and future for him. 

"It may be that the LORD will look on the wrong done to me, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his (Shimei) cursing today." (v.12)  This is a strong faith-statement of looking at problems from God's perspective.  Our trust is in Him today to complete His plan for us in His time.