I hope your week has been blessed with many times of rejoicing in what God has done. Has he placed people in your path who have made your life better? Has he provided your needs over and over again? David’s saga is continuing to confuse and amaze me. I don’t claim to understand the times in which he lived or the customs. Especially the ones dealing with women and the many wives. I’m not at all sure I’d have liked to live in this time period. But one thing is a surety, God is in control and we can see the thread of his great love for his people throughout David’s life.

Reading 2 Samuel 1–3 reminds me of a movie with violence, hatred, revenge and murder. Men against men for no other reason other than jealousy and bitterness. But during all the confusion and battles and death, we see God’s hand in whole scheme of things. David continues to grow in strength and the nation of Israel is responding. 

We all have motives for our actions. Whether they are innocent or with evil intent, usually there are underlying reasons when making decisions in life. David here continues to be in a volatile situation and wants to keep from having more dissension between the Israelite people. The people’s favor is very unstable and seems to change with the wind. If only everyone sought God’s will. If only. 

What would life look like if that were to occur? I believe we’ll only see that in heaven. We live in a fallen world where there will always be hatefulness in many forms. We see Satan’s hand in so much and often wonder why. God knows this and it doesn’t surprise him. We need to keep on seeking only God in every decision we make in life. 

Lord, help us to take the time to exam our life decisions. Make us aware of our inner motives and make them pure. Take jealousy and hatefulness out of minds as we seek to serve you. Make your presence known. Amen.

Karen E. Lawson