Leaning Hard into Who God is
Now when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the gateway, as though to speak with him privately. And there, to avenge the blood of his brother Asahel, Joab stabbed him in the stomach, and he died.
Then David said to Joab and all the people with him, ”Tear
your clothes and put on sackcloth and walk in mourning in front of
Abner.” King David himself walked behind the bier. They buried Abner in
Hebron, and the king wept aloud at Abner’s tomb.
2 Samuel 3:26, 31-32
King Saul was dead and the kingdom of Israel was divided. Ish-Bosheth, Saul’s son, had taken command over the southern part of the nation while David was crowned king of Judah, the northern section. Abner, a capable military leader, and David’s former commander chose sides and decided to support Ish-Bosheth.
Trusting God for Justice
Did David harbor ill will against Abner? Did he plot his revenge? No. In fact, when Abner was killed, David openly mourned for him. How was David able to do this?
David had a soft heart. Why? Because the vision of a unified nation of Israel under David’s rule wasn’t David’s dream, but rather God’s plan. David had completely submitted himself to obediently following God. He had given up his goals, plans, and dreams and had substituted them with a desire to obey God’s will. This allowed David to have a soft heart for others, even for those who had hurt and betrayed him.
Living Honorably with Others
I want a heart like that. I want to live honorably and right with others. I don’t want bitterness and hatred to have a place in my heart. I want to be more like David.
This means I must substitute my will for God’s and obediently follow him, even when it doesn’t make sense. And if I do this, then I will love others better. And, I will live honorably. And, I will have a soft heart, like David’s.
Prayer:
Dear God,
Please give me a soft heart like David’s. I want your will instead of my will for my life. Help me to live an obedient life. Help me to be more like David.
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