IN GOD'S HANDS

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

365 DEVOTIONS FROM OUR DAILY BREAD

IN GOD’S HANDS

READ:  2 Samuel 16:5-14

It may be that the Lord will look on my affliction, and that

the Lord will repay me with good.  2 Samuel 16:12

In 2 Samuel 16:5-14 we read of King David being cursed by Shimei.  This happened while David was fleeing from his son Absalom, who wanted to kill him.

Unlike David, we often want to silence our critics, insist on fairness, and defend ourselves.  But as we grow in our awareness of God’s protective love, we become less concerned with what others say about us and more willing to entrust ourselves to our Father.  Like David, we can say of each critic, “Let him alone, and let him curse” (2 Samuel 16:11).  This is humble submission to God’s will.

We may ask our opponents to justify their charges, or we may counter them with steadfast denial.  Or, like David (v. 12), we can wait patiently until God vindicates us.

It is good to look beyond those who oppose us and look to the One who loves us with infinite love.  It is good to be able to believe that whatever God permits is for our ultimate good-good, though we’re exposed to the curses of a Shimei: good, though our hearts break and we shed bitter tears.

You are in God’s hands, no matter what others are saying about you.  He has seen your distress, and in time He’ll repay you for the cursing you have received.  So trust Him and abide in His love.   DHR

THINKING IT OVER 

Read 1 Peter 2:20-23.  How did Jesus respond

to words spoken against Him?  What did He do and not do?

In what situations can you follow His example?

We can endure life’s wrongs because we know

that God will make all things right.