May 30

2 Samuel 15:23-16:23, John 18:25-19:22, Psalm 119:113-128, Proverbs 16:10-11

Pray: Give discernment to me, I need it to serve You. Help me to understand both Your ways and Your actions. May both mean far more to me than riches or power or titles or positions.

Read: 2 Samuel 15:25 finds David having to flee Jerusalem betrayed by his own son, Absalom, and he says this to Zadok the priest, “If the Lord sees fit he will bring me back to see the Ark and Tabernacle again. But if he is through with me, then let him do what seems best to him.” Here is a man who has perhaps just reached the lowest point in his life. Yet, King David still totally trusts God. Despite despair, humiliation, and bitter disappointment David puts his future in the hands of his God. No cursing, no ungratefulness, and no lament. David told Zadok, “let God be God.”

Edify: Despite losing his title “King” and despite having to flee Jerusalem David WORSHIPED! The response to great difficulty should always be worship. When life does not seem to be going our way and the news seems to be growing only worse, do you worship more or do you disappear from the church? Worship may not change your circumstances, but it always changes you.

Practice: We enter God’s gates by being thankful. We enter God’s courtyard by expressing praise. Practice thankfulness and praise when things are not going well. Voice your thankfulness and praise to others. Start your conversations with both. Be intentional.