Today I see a different side of David.
Before I jot a few lines I have a confession to make. It is early in the morning on Easter Sunday as I write, and I have to keep my thoughts short today, as there are many other events filling the morning.
Having said that as I read these lines I am exposed to very different side of David. We all know that David suffered, but I’m not sure I understand how agonizing it was for him. When I think of David several images pop into my mind: little boy tending sheep, boy killing a lion, boy slinging a stone at Goliath, king of Israel leading troops into battle. I wonder why my mind skips over the part of his life where he is betrayed? Am I afraid to think about such things? Are they unpopular for me? And if they are, why? Our Lord was betrayed, and He said that we should expect the same.
There are emotions that seem common to betrayal. David exhibits them, and apparently does so without being sinful. He becomes angry, but doesn’t allow it to consume him. He is afraid, but never to the point that he doubts God’s ability to help him. In these passages David sounds fearful, lonely and maybe even exhausted. I wonder if I would recognize him if I met him while in this state.
God has allowed this to occur in David’s life. God has allowed separation from loved ones, loneliness in foreign places, harsh environments and the like. And, God hasn’t eliminated David’s enemies, they still pursue him even though he cries out for help. This must be furnace in which the character of David is being formed. God selected him from among his brothers because he was made of the right material. Now that material is being made pliable and pounded into the shape God wants.
Oh, the blessed pain of being forged into God’s instrument! No one would want to experience it, except for the knowledge of what we become on the other side of the forge! With that thought in mind, and with the full knowledge that others like David have come before, I cry out this morning, “Lord, help me to be brave and humble enough to surrender myself into your hands”
There’s nothing wrong with being rough material in God’s hands. There’s nothing to be proud of because you are in the furnace, and there’s nothing special about you because God has formed you into his liking. We can be at any stage of that process and be completely loved by God. We can be in the center of his will and still be awaiting the forge. We can slay giants in the name of Jesus, having never been through the fire, or alone in the desert. We can have close personal friendships and make beautiful music for the king, before we spend time in God ordained isolation, rejected by worldly friends. It’s all about God’s timing, it’s about doing His will, in His time….His way.
“Lord, help me to be content with whatever stage you have me in. Help me not to be filled with self doubt or self pity when I recognize my unformed state. Help me not despair or lose faith as I am twisted into the man you would have me be. Help me not to become proud when I realize that you have taken something worthless and turned it into something beautiful and valuable. Help me to become like David, Lord.”
Happy Easter to all of you.
Faithfully,
PR