I have been reading about the life of David, the man after God's own heart, and I came across this passage the other day.
2 Samuel 16: 5-14 Shimei Curses David
5 As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the same clan as Saul’s family came out from there. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he cursed as he came out. 6 He pelted David and all the king’s officials with stones, though all the troops and the special guard were on David’s right and left. 7 As he cursed, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you murderer, you scoundrel! 8 The LORD has repaid you for all the blood you shed in the household of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. The LORD has given the kingdom into the hands of your son Absalom. You have come to ruin because you are a murderer!”
9 Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head.”
10 But the king said, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the LORD said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why do you do this?’”
11 David then said to Abishai and all his officials, “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. 12 It may be that the LORD will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today.”
13 So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt. 14 The king and all the people with him arrived at their destination exhausted. And there he refreshed himself.
It made me realize that sometimes God has placed people in our lives that we don't like and don't want to deal with. But He has placed them there for a reason. The others around you may not understand why you tolerate that person or situation, and it can sometimes drag you down. No matter how annoying, frustrating, or angering he/she/it is, He will give you the strength and support to get through it.
I have a situation just like this right now, and it is such a comfort to know that these times are temporary and that I will get through it. If thousands of years ago David could get through being cursed, I can certainly persevere through this with the Lord carrying me. :)
SO thankful my life belongs to HIM!
I'm not sure if you know the rest of the story, but just a few chapters later:
ReplyDelete"When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the king and said to him, “May my lord not hold me guilty. Do not remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king put it out of his mind. For I your servant know that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first of the whole house of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king.” 2 Sam 19:18-20
This should further encourage you that enemies can change their tunes and turn from cursing to blessing. God is good and can use any situation to his glory.
That is so cool! I haven't gotten there yet, but I am almost there. Looking forward to reading it!
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