TURN YOUR GRIN INTO A SMILE –

There were so many incidents in King David’s life where he had to deal with circumstances caused by his own mistakes and errors in judgment. When he needed his friends to stand by him until he was able to get straightened out and back on the right path, he often found that they were now his biggest critics and were taking advantage of his weakness and vulnerability as an opportunity to make him look bad so they would look better. But there was always that guiding light from God that he focused on to lead him through such foggy incidents and keep him on the path laid out for him. Even though with eyes closed he could hear the loud drums of discontent, he could also hear the quiet voice of God whispering, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you always, even unto the end.”

“O One True God whom I adore, please say something! Dishonest people and those who are full of deceit have begun lying about me; calling me bad names and verbally attacking me for no reason. In return I offered them respect, but denouncing me was the only thing on their minds. So they repaid my good with evil; my love with hate. They are saying of me, ‘Appoint a dishonest lawyer for him, let his accusers take the stand. When he goes to trial don’t let him be acquitted, even hold his plea of innocence against him. That way his position in authority will come to an early end and allow someone else to take his place.’ That’s why I’m asking You, O LORD Eternal, my Divine Master, act on my behalf. This is what You’re known for, and through Your undying love You will see that I’m acquitted. You know how despondent and destitute I am, with my heart bleeding inside. My life is quickly fading; I’m being brushed off like a pest. And because of my fasting I’ve been reduced to skin and bones. Even my friends just shake their heads at me; I’ve become a disgrace to everyone I know. So don’t leave me now, O LORD Eternal, my One True God; let Your steadfast love come to my rescue so that everyone will know that it was You who pulled me through; yes, that You, O LORD Eternal, did it. Let them wish me the worst, but You bring honor; let them try their hardest, but let it become their shame so that Your servant can feel relieved. They will walk out wearing the humiliation like a robe, but I will certainly adore You, O LORD Eternal, in a special way, and celebrate You publicly no matter how many may be watching. Because You never leave the side of those being wronged; You make sure they never become victims of such undeserved prejudice.” Psalm 109:1-8, 21-31

Reflection: When the British and French fought in Canada in the 1750s, Admiral Phipps, commander of the British fleet, received word to anchor outside Quebec and wait for the British land forces to arrive, so he could cover their landing with artillery fire. Admiral Phipps arrived early and spent time surveying the city. He became disturbed by all the statues of saints that adorned the towers of a nearby cathedral, so he decided to have his men fire at them with the ship’s cannons for practice. No one recorded how many rounds they shot or how many statues they destroyed, but when the British troops finally arrived to storm ashore, the admiral proved to be of no help. It turns out that because of his annoyance he used up all his ammunition blasting away at the saints. David was asked by God to stand by while things were sorted out before making him King of Israel. But like the admiral, David may have been tempted to fire on all the idols he saw in the character of his enemies, but he held back. After all, he didn’t beg God to make him king, nor did he run after Samuel and insist on being anointed; neither was his heroic defeat of Goliath the result of prior planning. It all came about as part of God’s will and plan for his life. He stood ready to suffer any inconvenience for the LORD’S sake, but refused to buckle under and give up hope when falsely accused. David learned that with God on his side he stood the best chance of being vindicated. As the third stanza goes in the song Amazing Grace: “Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ‘tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.” We possess every right to fight the good fight for honesty, but we must be patient and let God fight in defense of our honor. Remember, any serviceman on whom is bestowed the Medal of Honor did not go into battle with the intent to earn it, but their bravery and faithfulness to the mission were found worthy of it. Don’t be like Admiral Phipps and throw away your needed ammunition on petty aggravations and perceived annoyances. You’ve got bigger battles to fight and God is depending on you to be ready when the time comes.