Today’s Tasting: 2 Samuel 1–4: The Second Book of Samuel is a recounting of the reign of David. It begins with a messenger telling David of the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. The first four chapters tell the story of the battle between those who remained loyal to Saul and those who want David to be king. Eventually all of Saul’s sons are killed and David is made king over all the Israelites.
Today’s Nourishment: The thing that struck me in today’s reading is David’s patience and humility. David knew that he was destined to be king. You would think that this knowledge would have caused him to be happy when he learned that Saul and, later, his sons were dead. Instead we learn that David mourns their deaths and is actually so angry that he orders those who have killed Saul and his sons to be killed also.
David’s reaction to the murders of Saul and his sons to hasten the time when he will be king reminds me of the passage in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
How often have we been so anxious to receive God’s blessings that we take matters into our own hands and try to hurry the process along? How often has that anxiety and need for control turned out to be a bad thing? I have discovered through much trial and error that when I try to get God on my timetable, instead of waiting for His perfect timing, more often than not I end up making a mess of things.
There are more than a dozen Bible verses that remind us that God has a plan for us and that His plan and His timing are greater than anything we can imagine. Here are some examples from the Scriptures about God’s plan for us.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. —Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. —Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV)
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint. —Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
My hope is that you are inspired as you ponder and meditate not only on the Book of Second Samuel, but also on these Scriptures. How do they speak to areas of your life where you are anxious or impatient?
Tomorrow’s Delight: Psalms 6, 8–10, 14, 16, 19, 21
Monica
https://www.facebook.com/wholelottasomethin
I am anxious for healing for my back. I choose to stand and wait for the Lord to bring about my healing, His way and in His timing. I also rest and wait for the territory of ministry to enlarge for Alive by His Word. I give these areas of my life to you, Lord.
I am anxious for a change from apartment living to having a house, as well as a few other changes in my career. It’s hard to wait. But God says “be anxious for nothing, but instead pray about everything”. This is a good reminder for me to wait on God’s timing.
I am anxious for God’ s peace in finances and future buisness decisions. I know that His timing is always best and if we steward right in every area He will bring about the answers we need. He’s always been there and I know He will continue to lead us in the right direction, thank You Lord!