David’s tense return
The return of David to his kingdom was without much pomp and circumstance. Instead, it was met with tension. After challenges such as being pursued by his own son Absalom and having his son killed by his nephew Joab, he returned as if without victory.
During his return, he was rebuked by Joab, who chastised him for weeping over the death of Absalom over the honor of his servants.
During his return, he had to appeal to Judah, his own tribe, to welcome him back; those nearest to him didn’t restore him quickly.
During his return, he pardoned Shimei, a political enemy who had cursed him in his humiliation, choosing mercy when he had the power to avenge himself.
During his return, he faced unresolved division among the tribes. Even as one rebellion had ended, the seeds of another were already beginning to rise.
Life trudges on
David’s return shows us that life still moves on after the battle, and sometimes into tensions that wait for us at home.
When we go through trials and tribulations, we may imagine that once we overcome it, we are free from struggle. We expect that the return would feel like a victory and a breath of fresh air. We might think that finishing a Bible seminar or theological training course means that we are fully transformed and that faith will be easy.
Yet what we return to may be a normal life still burdened, still with much expectations… and with another trial brewing around the corner.
Sustained by God
It can feel like a vicious cycle, a marathon for which we never seem to be fully prepared. Every wave and every lap can feel neverending.
But even in our physical exhaustion and spiritual weariness, we can still be sustained by God.
David’s road leading to this day had been fraught with challenge. But through it all, David sought God.
In an earlier time of great distress, David strengthened himself in the Lord his God (1 Sam 30:6).
In the wilderness as he fled from Saul, he worshiped: “Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you… My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” (Psa 63:3,8)
Even after returning in this chapter, David would praise again: “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,” (2 Sam 22:2)
Remember your why
As we live the Christian life, we are called to endure this race (Heb 12:1). We are called to carry the cross daily (Lk 9:23). We have been made free from sin, to become servants of God (Rom 6:22).
It is certainly a demanding calling to overcome one trial and soon face another. But it is also a holy and noble calling. In enduring, our lives can become a story that gives glory to God, just as David’s endurance continues to do so today.
Reflection questions:
What are some ways a Christian can endure in a lifelong race of faith?
What do you do now to be sustained by God?
What is your expectation after overcoming a trial or tribulation? Has there been a time that you felt disappointed by what happened after you overcame it?
