David in II Samuel can be seen as someone enduring a very terrible situation, which he faced with great wisdom. (He was publicly insulted by a man) Being a soldier, the immediate reaction one might expect from him would be to fight his opponent—in this scenario, Shimei, who is coming against him by hurling insults at him. Yet, in chapter 16, verse 12, David gives a beautiful response with a broken heart: "And perhaps the Lord will see that I am being wronged and will bless me because of these curses today.”
Are we able to react like this when we are wronged? In Matthew, Jesus says, and Luke 6:28 echoes, "Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." When people curse us, fight with us using their words, and we have no means to defend ourselves, may we remember David. Let us think of how God watches our reaction and trust that He "will bless us." May God help us to be wise like David.
An unknown author once said: "In the light of heaven, the worst suffering on earth, a life full of the most atrocious tortures, will be seen to be no more serious than one night in an inconvenient hotel." Yes, my friend, as she said, when we consider the eternity we will spend with God in heaven, even the worst earthly sufferings become as fleeting as a single night. And this earth is nothing but just an inconvenient hotel for us, the citizens of heaven. Be of good cheer, mate—we have an eternity with Jesus. Even the best of this world pales in comparison to the eternity we are going to spend with God.
The worst trials of this life are trivial, less than nothing when seen through the lens of eternity.
Dear God, thank You for Your guiding verses that bring light to our path. Help us to follow Your words with actions rooted in faith, believing that our comfort and reward are with You. Be our salvation, Be our sheild Lord, surround us with a circle of fire. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Comments