How Sovereign is YOUR God

Bible Reading

• 2 Sam 16
• Psalm 71

Devotional Thoughts

How do you respond when you experience the affects of ungodliness? Your coworkers constantly swearing and talking crudely; yourself and others being mistreated by your boss; What is your first thought / response when you face these kinds of things? Do you view those interactions and circumstances as coming to you from the hand of God, giving you the opportunity to display Him? I know I certainly don’t.

In 2 Samuel 16 we find a story that illustrates this kind of situation. David is fleeing Jerusalem because Absalom is on his way to take over David’s throne. As David leaves the city and heads into the wilderness for refuge, Shimei, a loyal follower of Saul , “cursed David continually, and threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David.” (2 Sam 16:5)

If you were in that situation, how would you respond? I think my response would probably be like Abishai, one of David’s mighty men, “Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and take off his head.” (2 Sam 16:9) But, that is not how David responded! David’s response shows just how much David believed in the sovereignty of His God. Listen to this, “David responded, “If the Lord has told him to curse me, who are you to stop him?” “…leave him alone and let him curse, for the Lord has told him to do it. And perhaps the Lord will see that I am being wronged and will bless me because of these curses today.” (2 Sam 16:10,12)

This is quite sobering. Do I view every situation in my life like that? I think is why David could say, (Ps 71:7-8) “My life is an example to many because you have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long.” Over and over in Psalm 71 David declares that what God does is great;

• I will tell everyone about your righteousness (Ps 71:15)
• All day long I will proclaim your saving power (Ps 71:15)
• I will praise your mighty deeds O Sovereign Lord. (Ps 71:16)
• I will tell everyone you alone are just (Ps 71:16)
• I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do (Ps 71:17)
• now that I am old, do not abandon me, let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me (Ps 71:18)
• you have done wonderful things (Ps 71:19)

Even here in Psalm 71 David acknowledges God’s sovereignty in the difficulties he faced, and stands upon the confidence in God’s plan. “Who can compare with you, O God? You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth. You will restore me to even greater honor and comfort me once again.” (Ps 71:19-21)