Suggested Bible Reading: Psalm 5, 38, 41-42
Devotional Thought:
Title: “Trusting God in Difficulty.”
Psalm 41 seems to belong, as many other Psalms do, to the period of Absalom’s rebellion. Although there is no record in the account in 2 Samuel of David having such an illness as which is described in verse 9; there is an obvious reference to the treachery of Ahithophel, which seems to confirm the circumstances in which it was written. One commentator writes, “It is true that the narrative in 2 Samuel makes no reference to an illness such as is here described; but that narrative necessarily passes over many details. Such an illness would account for the remissness in attending to his official duties, which Absalom’s words to the suitors for justice seem to imply. (2 Sam 15:3) It would account also for the strange failure of David’s natural courage that his flight from Jerusalem at the first outbreak of rebellion appears to indicate… Unnerved by sickness, in which he recognized a just punishment for his sins, David watched the growing disloyalty of his courtiers, and in particular of Ahithophel, without feeling able to strike and crush the conspiracy before it came to a head.” The sickness referred to seems to have been so serious that David’s enemies actually anticipated, and waited for, his death (vs. 5-8). Having friends that you love turn on you in selfish rebellion to destroy you for their own gain is difficult to handle; however, having one of your own children seek to destroy you for the same selfish reason was more than David’s body could endure. David clung to this truth, “the Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing…” (vs. 3) David is heart broken over the sinful and destructive agenda that was seeking to overthrown his authority and usurp his position. “All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt.” (vs. 7) On a much smaller scale, I know exactly what David is feeling. His heart is broke over the sinfulness of his people. He is frustrated that he is not able to solve it and once again bring peace and unity to the kingdom. He laments to the Lord, “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.” (vs. 9) Oh how it must have broken the heart of David to pray, “But Thou, O Lord, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them… Thou favorest me… Thou upholdest me in mine integrity…” (vs. 10-12) David pleads with the Lord for the physical strength to set the record straight and deal with those who seek their selfish agenda. David was confident that the Lord would give the victory, but his heart was broken over the devastation that it could cause. However, David determines to bless the Lord even during this trial, knowing that the ways of the Lord are perfect. May we learn to trust the Lord, even in dark times and difficult trials, so that His name is glorified and His purposes are accomplished.
Personal Prayer Requests:
- Lord, please help me to never doubt in the dark times what you have clearly revealed about your self in the Light.
- Lord, thank you for your care of your own children. I am thankful for your protection, provision, and purposes.
- Lord, please help me to never seek revenge for those who wrong me, but may I always seek what pictures your character most, reconciliation.