When David heard of Absalom’s rebellion and all of Israel falling for Absalom’s charm, he fled at once with his officials. David left only ten of his concubines to guard the palace. Then 600 foreigners, the Gittites, came to David and escorted him. Ironically, these strangers escorted him while his own son wanted to take his life. On this flight, perhaps David realized the cost of his sins, his adultery and murder. Yet we can see the hand of God who sent many royal people to David and comforted him. God does not stand idly by amidst his people’s suffering but cares and restores them.

So, in that dire circumstance, David put his trust in the Lord who would provide for him and protect him. He sent the ark of God and the priests back to Jerusalem. Covering his head and weeping with his bare feet, he prayed that God would thwart Ahithophel’s counsel. He inserted Hushai in Absalom’s presence to frustrate Ahithophel’s advice. He also asked Zadok and Abiathar to pass on information about Absalom. David was not held back by fear but entrusted his life into God’s hands; he prayed and did what he could do with what he had. In times of trials, we need to entrust ourselves to God and do our best by faith.
Application: Lord, help me have faith in you. In times of trial, enable us to come to you and pray and do what we can do.
One Word: God works even through trials