Down an Unfamiliar Road

HONEST AT BEING HONEST

David continues sharing about the bad state of affairs resulting from King Saul taking God’s people, whom Samuel led toward righteousness, and turning them toward wickedness. He knew that such a situation left unchallenged would deteriorate into a society full of corruption, lying, cheating and violence, with evildoers finding ways to avoid punishment. He also realized it would not be easy, no great victory ever is. However, he was still anxious to be used of God in the position his LORD chose for him and anointed him to lead.

“O LORD Eternal, do something quick; more and more honest and decent people are disappearing from society every day. It is now common for people to lie, twist the truth, but still act like they are being honest. So I ask You to put a stop to this misleading and worthless blabber. Especially those who go around bragging, ‘Our free speech guarantees we’ll say what we want to say and no one has any right to censor us.’ But didn’t I hear You say, O LORD Eternal, that because the ill-informed and under-served are crying out for help that You would act now, that You promised that You would come to their rescue? Therefore, I believe that Your promises are genuine, they are even more valuable than sterling silver refined to perfection. Because You, O LORD, Eternal, will see to it that such people will never be able to dupe Your children into becoming victims of such lies.” Psalm 12:1-7

Reflection: While ministering in Asia a businessman asked me how he could succeed now that he was a Christian, when bribery and kick-backs, plus charging owners for high-priced materials and then substituting inferior products were a common practice. Not being an Asian or businessman, I told him I could only advise him on the principles of Biblical ethics. Those who earn a reputation for being honest; being true to their word; mean what they say and say what they mean, will find that businessmen who put up money for expensive projects will love to deal with an honest and trustworthy contractor more than those who cheat. Sometime later that same businessman told me he followed that principle and found it to be true. This led to his becoming a highly respected, trusted, and wealthy businessman with a reputation for being honest. Many believers feel that the idolization of corruption must be met with strong public outcries of righteous indignation. This often offers only the proverbial 15 minutes of fame to the proponents. Better to respond by living an honest and trustworthy life so that believers and sinners on every level will see the benefits of truth and reliability.

WHO’S LOOKING OUT FOR YOU?

David knew what it was like to face a giant with only a slingshot and a few stones. He had experienced fighting off wild animals to protect his father’s sheep, but this was different. That’s why, even though his friends advised him to cut and run in order to save his life from Saul’s assassins, he knew that God had chosen him for a special purpose and he would not give up being faithful to God’s call. After all, if God could trust him to remain true and faithful during times of stress and danger, then God had no reason not to trust him in times of peace and prosperity.

“All of you know I turn to the LORD Eternal when I’m threatened, so how dare you suggest that I fly off like a frightened bird to some hillside cave! Look around you, there are those standing in the shadows who hate believers so much, they’ve got their arrows pulled back against the string so they can ambush them. So I’m telling you, if those considered pillars of society won’t stand up against them, what chance does the average person have? The LORD Eternal watches from His holy throne in heaven to see what’s going on doing down here, because He’s interested in His creation. The LORD Eternal emboldens those who live right, but has little time for those who are habitually evil and love violence. Such evil-minded sinners will get the fiery end they deserve when God’s scorching blast hits them. For the LORD Eternal is gracious; He loves those who live right and act right, and they know He’ll always come through for them.” Psalm 11:1-7

Reflection: Mom and Dad knew their little boy possessed a great deal of talent, when at the age of five he already learned how to play the violin. By age 13 he mastered the organ and became a talented concert artist in the community. By the time he reached his twenties he was recognized as a prolific pianist, composer, and orchestra conductor. But then he began to lose his hearing. Soon his fingers became so calloused he barely felt the piano keys. He kept it all a secret until he reached his fifties when he became stone deaf. But before it was all over, Ludwig von Beethoven wrote nine majestic symphonies, five concertos for piano, not to mention numerous pieces of chamber music, as well as sonatas and scores for violin and piano. His masterful works of unique harmony broke with the traditions of his times, and can be heard on concert stages around the world even to this day. The same with David, whose fingers once strummed a harp, but now had become calloused with climbing rocks and wielding a sword, but he held on to his belief that God was watching over him and would not let him fail as long as he was faithful to his calling.

DOUBT YOUR DOUBTS

David faced more than one enemy from without and plenty of foes from within the kingdom. But none seemed to have thrust a knife in him like his son Absalom and trusted adviser Ahithophel. There was something sinister and evil about their actions and total disregard for his anointing by God as king of Israel. David didn’t mind that Goliath and the Philistines hated him; after all they were the enemy. But how do you respond when the attackers are supposed to be your friends? So David decided to let them know that their evil-minded plot was not only against him, but against a greater King who had picked him to be ruler over all Israel.

“O LORD Eternal, why does it seem at times like You don’t notice or even care that I’m in such deep trouble. Those who hate me are unashamed and proud about it – I wish they’d end up the same way they want me to end up. They openly brag about wanting to get things that aren’t even theirs; they even laugh about being so greedy, thus treating You with contempt and scorn. There’s one who is so disillusioned that he rejects any notion You will hold him accountable or even try to interfere with his wicked quest. And because nothing happens to him, he mocks me when I tell them that You will make him pay. He charges forward as though he has nothing to fear; that nothing can stop him from getting what he wants. So he goes around calling me names, while saying things that are totally misleading and false; it seems as though he can’t wait to brag to others about what he’s up to and how he’ll get away with it. But I want him to know that the LORD Eternal will always be my King; that evil people like him have no place in His kingdom. I have faith that my LORD Eternal will take care of those who are afflicted and give them what they need, so they can cope with their situation. He will stand up for and help believers who have been written off and discriminated against, so that evil people can’t push them around anymore.” Psalm 10:1-7, 16-17

Reflection: The famous British evangelist, pastor and Bible scholar Dr. G. Campbell Morgan was raised in a strict home where he amused himself preaching to his sister’s dolls. Being somewhat of an intellect he started reading the works of such scientists and agnostics as Charles Darwin, John Tyndall, Thomas Huxley and Herbert Spencer. By the time he was 19 he began to doubt what he had been taught about his Christian faith. In spite of enjoying a career as a successful minister, he became more and more perplexed with doubt about his beliefs. So he canceled all his speaking engagements, put all the books he was reading into a cupboard and locked them away. Then he went to the bookstore and bought himself a new Bible. He challenged himself with this resolution: “Although I’m no longer sure that this is the Word of God that my father told me about, I am sure that if it is the Word of God, and I come to it with an unprejudiced and open mind, it will bring assurance to my soul all by itself.” For two years he immersed himself in God’s Holy Word, and by the time he reached the Book of Revelation the light had returned and he never left the path of faith again. He went on the write some of the most influential books of his era that are still read by millions today. Like King David, Dr. Morgan believed that God had the answer to his doubts and fears and all he needed to do was take time to read and listen. Sometimes too much advice and counseling can cloud the mind and result in mixed feelings because of too many options. But God’s Word never changes, and is always there to direct us even during the darkest and most confusing times.

IS IT FAIR?

David’s contemplation of the past in Psalm 8 is followed by the reality of the present. Absalom is dead now, and any hopes and dreams David had of his handsome son becoming a God-fearing prince and leader in Israel died with him. But life must go on in spite of the heartache and sorrow. In David’s mind he never saw himself as a victim of circumstances, but as a warrior king being given every opportunity to test his faith in God. He found that going through such trying situations helped him learned to trust his God more and more. David experienced a simple truth during his years of running from King Saul, that in order to get from one mountain top to another you must go through a valley.

“O LORD Eternal, my heart bursts with joy as I worship You, I can’t wait to tell others how loving and caring You are. O Yes, I’m so proud of You that I want to sing songs of praise telling all about who You really are, my God above all gods; about how You, O LORD Eternal, personally care for those who experience depression or distress and put Your arms around them so they feel safe. That’s why those who know You best, trust You completely; they know that You, O LORD Eternal, will never abandon them even though they’ve lost all hope. That’s why I tell them to sing songs of praise to the LORD Eternal, who lives among His people; and let their neighbors know all that He has done for them. That’s because those who are downtrodden will not be repeatedly forgotten, nor will those who are oppressed be left without anyone to turn to.” Psalm 9:1-2, 9-11, 18

Reflection: Supreme Court Associate Justice Horace Gray was born in Boston to a prominent merchant family. He was such a prodigy that at the age of 13 he enrolled in Harvard and graduated in four years. Four years later at the age of 21 he earned his law degree. While a member of the Massachusetts Supreme Court he was asked to rule on a case where the man involved escaped conviction on the basis of a technicality. He informed the man that he believed he was guilty and that the man knew he was guilty. He told the man to be aware that one day he would stand before a better and wiser Judge where justice would be served without the technicalities of the law. Years later, while burglarizing a house in Antwerp, Belgium, this man fled out the back door after being discovered, clambered over a nine-foot high wall, dropped down on the other side only to find himself in the exercise yard of the city prison. Justice Gray’s words had been validated. Some may despair over Nazi criminals that got away, or Russian gulag guards that went unpunished, or modern terrorists that never pay for their carnage. But never forget, they are all predestined to stand before the Great Judge one day, and justice will be carried out in full. We all may yearn that they be punished now, but God is more interested in how we react and respond to such situations to reach our own destiny, because He has their end already laid out.

DO NOT REGRET HAVING NO REGRETS

David was worn out with Saul’s constant hounding and deceptive methods in trying to get rid of him so he could not take over his throne. It’s one thing when an opponent fights square and fair, but Saul used all types of underhanded methods to fool and assassinate David. What made it so heart-wrenching was that if God had not used David to save Israel from the Philistine giant Goliath, Saul would have no kingdom. So David composed a song to express his frustration with this dark-hearted Benjaminite. In so doing, David not only sent a message to his adversary that he was not giving up, but also to encouraged himself and others to remain strong and steadfast.

“O LORD Eternal, the God above all others, You’ve got to help me; I’m being hounded by those who despise me and You’re the only One who can keep me out of their reach. If You don’t do something they will rip me apart like a lion; tearing me to pieces because there is no one around to protect me. O LORD Eternal, my One True God, I’m ready to accept responsibility if I’m the one who’s at fault for causing this mess. If it turns out that I double-crossed any of my friends, or took things and then claimed they were mine, they have a right to chase me until they catch me; and when they do let them take it out on me no matter how much it hurts. They can then walk off and leave me to die. However, what they are doing to me now should cause You to stand up and defend me, O LORD Eternal; You must see that the justice You promised is served. I want everyone to know that You are still on Your throne; that You, O LORD Eternal, are the one who decides who’s right and who’s wrong in any situation, and I believe You will stand up for me because You know what I’m doing is right. Yes, O LORD Eternal, because You know I’m doing the best I can in the best way I can. Therefore put an end to all this trouble caused by such evil-minded people, but keep those who are living like they should where they have the right to be. For when it comes to examining a person’s heart and mind, there’s no judge as fair as You, O One True God.” Psalm 7:1-9

Reflection: In 1904, William Borden, 16 year old heir to the Borden Dairy Estate, graduated from high school already a millionaire. As a graduation present his parents gave him a trip around the world. While visiting Asia and the Middle East, William became burdened for the poor and afflicted. He wrote home: “I’m going to give my life to prepare for the mission field.” And on the flyleaf of his Bible he wrote, “No Reserves.” He entered Yale University and soon began a daily prayer group. By the end of the year 150 freshmen were involved. When he graduated, 1,000 out of Yale’s 1,300 students met in such groups. William turned down many job offers, and wrote again on the flyleaf of his Bible, “No Retreats.” After completing his degree at Princeton Seminary, William sailed for China to work with Muslims. He stopped in Egypt to make preparations for the final leg of his trip. While there he was stricken with cerebral meningitis and died within a month. Just before he passed away he wrote the last time on the flyleaf of his Bible, “No Regrets.” Even though many doubted the wisdom of his decision, his intentions were beyond question. Both David and young William give us great examples of doing things God’s way, no matter what the cost or consequences. They understood that God does not add up our value based on the number of years we serve or all the positions we hold, but on how strong the intent of our heart is to be faithful as long as He gives us life.

HOLDING ON, NOT HANGING ON

Although David yielded his devastation over Absalom’s rebellion to God, he still struggled with the grief and remorse it brought him. Wounds like that do not heal overnight; they must be bathed in the balm of forgiveness. It’s one thing to deal with treachery coming from an enemy, but the heart and mind are not prepared to handle deceitfulness coming from your own flesh and blood. Perhaps those around him often heard him crying out inside his palace, “How could this happen to me!” So after a long sleepless and tearful night he composed this prayer for God’s strength to help him cope.

“Don’t let my lack of faith upset You O LORD Eternal, so that You punish me out of disappointment and frustration. Be lenient with me O LORD Eternal; for I feel weak inside, my knees are knocking, and I’m completely stressed out, so don’t wait too long before You answer me. O LORD Eternal, don’t let this go on any longer. Because You are so loving and caring, please get me out of this somehow. If I die like this and end up in the grave, there’s no way I can testify of Your goodness. I’m completely worn out with moaning and groaning, that’s why every night I drench my bed, and every day I soak my couch with tears. My eyes have turned blood red and I can hardly see anymore because of the heartbreak I feel. That’s why I’m turning a deaf ear to those who tell me I won’t make it, because I believe the LORD Eternal will hear my sobbing, and my cries will touch His heart. He understands what I’m going through, and I believe my critics will end up being sorry and ashamed they didn’t support me, and it will be a huge embarrassment to them.” Psalm 6:1-10

Reflection: In 1883 engineer John Röbling was inspired to build a spectacular bridge connecting New York with Long Island. Bridge experts throughout the world told Röbling to forget the idea; that it was not practical and had never been done before. But Röbling could not erase his vision. He convinced his son, Washington, to help him construct it. So they hired a crew and began building their dream bridge. After only a few months a tragic accident took John Röbling’s life. His son Washington was also injured with partial brain damage and total paralysis. Everyone felt the project was jinxed and should be scrapped. Yet in spite of his handicap, young Washington refused to give up his father’s dream. He was able to move only one finger and slowly developed a code of communication with his wife. Suddenly he had an idea, so he touched his wife’s arm telling her to call the engineers; he wanted to keep the construction going. For 13 years Washington tapped out his instructions until the bridge was finally completed. Today the spectacular Brooklyn Bridge stands in all its glory as a tribute to the triumph of one man’s indomitable spirit and his determination not to be defeated by circumstances. Since Washington Röbling held on to the end with the picture of a bridge in his mind, how much more should we be able to hold on with the picture of the crown of righteousness in our mind.

RESIST BEING RESENTFUL

The pain of Absalom’s deceit, and anger against those who joined him still burned in David’s mind. But he decided to take it to God in prayer and seek His guidance on how to avoid becoming resentful. He knew that such resentment could become hatred, and hatred could result in doing something evil, that he would later regret. So he penned this prayer in the morning to pour out his heart before the LORD in order to get God’s guidance and strength. The wisdom of David’s prayer involves his looking for ways to deal with himself to find his areas of necessary change. He believed that such changes might produce a greater impact on his adversaries than just criticizing them for being vain and destructive.

“O LORD Eternal, would You take time to listen to what I’m trying to say so that You can better understand what I am thinking. Since You are my King and my One True God, I want to convince You that I am serious when I cry out to You. I ask You to listen to my prayer this morning as I lay my request before You at daybreak to await Your answer. I know that You are not the type of Sovereign King who wants to see wickedness, for evil ideas do not meet with Your approval. That’s why conceited people don’t last long in Your presence, because You detest those who operate with evil intent. You also condemn those who mislead others with lies, and You, O LORD Eternal, especially despise those who try to ruin other people’s lives with deceit. But because of Your abundant grace I plan to go to Your house and reverently bow down at Your altar. I will ask You, O LORD Eternal, to treat me fairly and guide me because those who oppose me watch my every move, that’s why I want to do things Your way. A person cannot believe anything these people say because their hearts are so filled with spite that they will eat you alive; they really know how to mislead people. Deal with them, O One True God; and because they are so openly defiant in their rebellion against You, let them fall into their own trap and lose their influence. But let those who really believe in You live positive lives; yes, let them continue with joy in their hearts because they know You are ever with them; for loving You for who You are is enough to make anyone dance for joy. For You will see to it that the faithful get what is rightfully theirs, O LORD Eternal, by wrapping them up in Your favor like a blanket.” Psalm 5:1-12

Reflection: After less than four months in office, on Saturday, July 2, 1881, President James A. Garfield was shot in the back with a revolver by assassin Charles J. Guiteau. At a hospital in New York City a doctor unsuccessfully probed the wound with his little finger trying to locate the bullet. When that didn’t work, Garfield was then transported back to Washington D.C., where teams of doctors tried but failed to retrieve the bullet. Even Alexander Graham Bell was called to try and locate the slug with a metal detector. But on Monday, September 19, 1881 President Garfield died – not from the bullet, but from the infection caused by repeated probing. What the physicians tried to do to save him ended up killing him. So it is with people who continually probe their wounds caused by others instead of releasing it to God. There is no need to educate God on the character of such miserable people, He already knows who and what they are. But we should admit to Him how it affects us, because He wants us to confess our hurt and embarrassment. This will show our trust in Him to help us survive such pressure and conflict. In the words of the song by Dr. Charles Hayes: “Are you carrying heavy burdens, and you don’t know what to do? Are you sad and despondent, wondering how you’ll make it through? Is your heart laden with many, many cares? Why not do like many others, oh, take it to the Lord in prayer.”

THE MORE WE PULL TOGETHER

The hurt caused by Absalom’s treacherous conniving with others to remove him as king left scars on David’s soul. But he decided to seek reconciliation instead of revenge. He did not want to become like those who attempted to end his reign. From what David said in Psalm three, and now what he shares in Psalm four, he never wanted to end his day without taking his needs to the Lord to receive guidance and understanding. David was not looking to get even but simple to stay balanced emotionally and mentally. This tempered his thought process and softened his plea for God’s help. So in this psalm he had a message for anyone facing the same dilemma:

“O One True God, You were the One who taught me how to live right so I could cope with stress, so I’m asking You to be patient with me and give attention to my prayer as I call out to You. For I have asked the elders, “How long will you continue to question my integrity? Will you carry on without a purpose? Will you continue acting on unfounded accusations? Remember this: the LORD Eternal chose godly people for Himself and He listens when they call out to Him. Show some respect, don’t do anything stupid. Take a break, take a deep breath, and think things over. Give the LORD Eternal the respect He deserves and learn how to trust in Him. Many are asking if we would ever be respected as a people. O LORD Eternal, You have directed Your smile of approval toward us. You have made me glad, and I rejoice with my brethren in their success. That’s why I can put my head on my pillow with peace of mind, O LORD Eternal, for I know Your loving arms are around me.” Psalm 4:1-8

Reflection: The story is told of a man named Yada who found himself in peril. Yada’s boat was sinking, and as the water rose up around his legs he begin to blame the boat builders for using inferior materials and creating a badly designed craft. Then he berated the weatherman for not precisely predicting the path of the storm while simultaneously criticizing the Coast Guard for not forcing him to dock even though he ignored their warnings not to sail. Finally he blamed God for not sending the storm to another area to keep it from interrupting his spur-of-the-moment plans. The phrase “Yada, yada, yada” certainly applies here to this man’s endless complaints instead of taking responsibility. Troubles and trials may come our way but this does not mean we should resign to our fate instead of relying on our faith by holding on to the promises of the Promise Maker. Even though our difficulties may be due to someone else’s actions, there is no need to take ownership of how they are handling their predicament and incur the same grief and anxiety their actions will bring them. Rather, contemplate on how to be an inspiration for others to talk about, instead of being an imbecile others will jest about. In the words of a chorus we used to sing as children, “The more we pull together, together, together; the more we pull together the happier we’ll be.”

DOWN BUT NOT DEFEATED

David knew he had enemies both inside and outside of Israel, but when his own son Absalom tried to assassinate him in order to become king, it was almost more than he could bear. How could anyone to whom he had given many privileges return his generosity with such evil? Yet he needed to keep hope alive in the midst of fear and danger. So David took his concern to God in prayer so he might find peace of mind. This gave him a reason to express himself in song despite his circumstances. By believing that help was on the way, it helped David to rejoice because he knew he was not carrying his burden alone.

“O LORD Eternal, it seems that my enemies have increased day by day; yes, the crowd that opposes me is growing larger. Many of them are questioning whether or not my One True God will deliver me this time. But You, O LORD Eternal, You give me such blessed assurance that it helps me keep working on what I’m doing while keeping my head held high. That’s why I’m calling out so fervently to you O LORD Eternal, for I know You will respond to me from where You are on high. Now I can lay my head down on my pillow and go to sleep knowing I’ll wake up again to a brand new day because the LORD Eternal will help me make it through all this. It gives me a reason why I don’t need to fear these people anymore, no matter how many don’t like me. So I await Your response, O LORD Eternal my One True God, on how You plan to rescue me. Do something so spectacular that my opponents will be silenced. You are the only One who can order such deliverance, O LORD Eternal, let them see how much favor You have for Your children. ” Psalm 3:1-8

Reflection: Paul Laurence Dunbar, a boyhood friend of Orville Wright, was one of the first African-American poets to gain fame and prove popular among white and black readers alike. He died at the age of 33, and his mother kept his room exactly the way he left it for the rest of her life. On his desk lay this brilliant man’s final hand-written poem. Upon his mother’s death, his friends decided to preserve his works. But when they went to collect his final poem, they discovered that his mother left it where the sun shone on it each day, and bleached the ink until it became invisible. As a result, his last work disappeared forever. When we turn our anguish into a memorial instead of a commemoration, we stand to lose so much of what God has invested in our lives. Grief might come to even God’s most dedicated servants, but it need not control their lives. Sharing what God did for us in life is much better than placing it out of reach with a sign that reads, “Do Not Touch.” No matter how high the mountain, how low the valley, how cold the water, or how hot the fire, how tough the battle, or how egregious the wounds; God goes through it all with His children. That’s a testimony that should not be lost because it gets bleached out over time because we leave it unexpressed due to the heartache we endured.

DON’T LOSE TOUCH

After David became king of Israel and Judah, there were many who were not impressed with a man who spent so many years in the hills and caves like a fugitive running for his life. He was more like a monk than of a monarch. Many did not go along with all of David’s decisions. They especially disliked his aggressive and combative ways against the Philistines, and his overzealous worship of God as ruler and king of the land. They wanted a more secular king, one who did not wear his religion on his sleeve and make them look bad because of his dedication to all that was Godly. But David knew who stood by him and brought him through again and again. So he dedicated himself to pleasing his Master rather than man.

“Why are so many nations experiencing civil unrest; why have their unbelieving leaders lost touch with reality. These leaders have become so arrogant that they are united in their efforts against the LORD Eternal and His Anointed. ‘Let’s get rid of their power over us,’ they say; ‘let’s free ourselves from their influence.’ But the One sitting on His throne up on high, our Divine Master, just laughs at their foolishness. ‘Listen, all you leaders, wise up; start disciplining yourselves if you expect to continue governing your people! Submit yourselves to the LORD Eternal with reverence and awe as you kneel trembling before Him. Treat Him with all the respect He deserves; don’t cause Him to be upset with you, even for a moment, thereby running the risk of losing everything. Then count your blessings because you’ve made Him the One you depend on for your life and safety’.” Psalm 2:1-4, 10-12

Reflection: A prairie farmer in a small town café boasted openly in the presence of a local pastor as to why he didn’t need to attend church. “This year I plowed my fields on Sunday, planted my seeds on Sunday, sprayed the weeds on Sunday, and harvested my crops on Sunday. As a matter of fact, this past October I brought in my best harvest ever!” The minister knew the farmer was trying to provoke a response, so he replied gently to him, “You know, God is not limited to showing His displeasure just during harvest time.” We must remember that not everybody is going to applaud and fully support what God has called us to do. People hate giving up ground they feel belongs to them, even though the Spirit of God may say otherwise. Following God’s guidelines, even at the expense of some personal wants and wishes cannot be compared to the heavenly reward awaiting those who remain faithful. Keep in mind, whatever goals we may select in life, when they have God’s approval they are worth every hardship that may come.