During our troubled times, we may encounter people who want to take advantage of our situation or accuse us of things we may or may not have done in the past. However, we may also come across some helpless people who help us in their own way. Ziba, Shimei, and Mephibosheth are some of those people that David encountered in his time of trouble.
People whose help we need, not their ways.
But the King said, “What do you and I have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the Lord said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why do you do this?’” 2 Samuel 16:10
When Shimei was cursing David, Abishai, a prominent figure in David’s army, became angry and wanted to kill Shimei. However, David stopped him and asked, ‘What do you and I have in common?’ At that time of war, the last thing David would have wanted to do was to upset the commanders of the army. But David, being a man of principles, did not back out from denying his blood relation with Abishai, even though they were brothers by blood. Abishai and Joab were both people of violence after all they were commanders of the army. David needed their help, but he still upset them and spoke his mind out before the war itself. After the war, David again spoke the same thing: ‘What do you and I have in common; you sons of Zeruiah? This day you have become my adversaries!‘ (2 Samuel 19:22)”.
We may need the help of many people when we are in trouble, but remember that even if they are not there to help, God is the one who is helping. Hence, we should not compromise our principles and yield to the advice of people who are helping. We should be grateful to them, but that doesn’t give them the rein to control us. While it’s true that they love us and want what’s best for us, their ways may not always align with what is right. As a result, it’s important to know who we are and what God expects from us.
People who help.
Now Barzillai was a very old man, eighty years of age. He had provided for the King during his stay in Mahanaim, for he was a very wealthy man. 2 Samuel 19:32
David faced rebellion from his own son and betrayal from some trusted officials, but he also received unexpected help from people like Barzillai, an old and wealthy man who selflessly provided everything David needed without expecting anything in return. Despite David’s offer to live in his palace, Barzillai refused. Similarly, Ittai the Gittite, a foreigner in exile, chose to wander into the wilderness with David, demonstrating his loyalty. In our own troubles, we may encounter individuals who are willing to help us bear our burdens. We should be thankful for such people as they are the anchor for those who are tossed by the tempest. Top of Form
People who become valuable instead of being a burden.
When David arrived at the summit, where people used to worship God, Hushai the Arkite was there to meet him, his robe torn and dust on his head. David said to him, “If you go with me, you will be a burden to me” 2 Samuel 15:32, 33
Hushai was a burden to David, if he went on with the journey. But David sent him to corrupt the advice of Ahithophel. Ahithophel’s advice was like enquiring from God Himself. Hushai was able to corrupt the advice of Ahithophel only because he chose the right person to back. From being a burden, He became the key person to win the war for David.
Hushai initially seemed like a burden to David on his journey, So he was sent to corrupt the advice of Ahithophel. Ahithophel was known for giving wise counsel. His counsel was like enquiring from God Himself. But, Hushai was able to undermine his advice because he chose the right person to support. From being a burden, Hushai became the key person in helping David win the war.
Similarly, we may sometimes view certain people, such as our prayer group, church , or friends as burdensome. They may frequently inquire about our well-being, and we may find it frustrating. However, in the end. They may be the ones who provide crucial support we need to achieve victory.
During our troubled times, God uses different people to help us. Some people love and care for us, but their advice might lead us away from God. On the other hand, some help us without offering any advice or suggestion but by supporting any decision we make. We may also see some people rising up to support us in our troubled times with their new found power that God has given them. Be ready to hit the target no matter how hard the wind blows, for that is what is expected of the arrows kept in the QUIVER OF GOD.
May God bless you all..