Dark Moments

A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom, his son.

LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
[Psalms 3:1-8 KJV]

There are many things that increase and trouble us. The list includes health – ours or our loved ones; relationships – within our family, extended family or friends; worldly things – pleasures or pain caused by economics or fears. The list seems endless.

In this psalm, David has fled before his own son. The increased troubles were many— family, relationships, economics, politics. He had lost his kingdom as well as having lost a son. Seldom do any of us face what David did at this time in his life. Yet, he writes:

I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

Nothing had changed, yet He could state “the Lord sustained me” as he turned it all over to God. He knew that others felt God had forsaken him. Why else would he be running for his life from his own son? Wouldn’t that be a sign that David’s sins had found him out and he was receiving God’s punishment?

Nope. David’s relationship with God was shown much earlier, when the servants asked about his mourning – or, rather, the lack of mourning upon learning of his child’s death.

And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. [2 Samuel 12:22-23 KJV]

We ask while there is hope. We pray until something happens that gives an end to praying for one thing and move on to the next step in our lives that are to be lived in God’s will. David knew why the child was born and Nathan had explained that it would die.

By this time in his life David knew there remained help for him in God and he turned to God for that help. It was given to him and he returned to his throne, in sadness. While the people rejoiced, David cried for his lost son.

But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son! [2 Samuel 19:4 KJV]

For all of his errors, for all of his sins, for all of his loss, for all of his gain, David never railed against God for unfairness. He knew the source of his salvation, personally.