September 5, 2020
What does it say?
David heard about Absalom’s death and mourned the loss of his son.
What does it mean?
David was consumed with grief over the loss of his son, and rightly so. His strained relationship and bitter conflict with Absalom ended without reconciliation. The impact of his grief overshadowed the victory of his troops. Overwhelmed with sorrow, David failed to acknowledge the men who risked their lives to save him. The bittersweet victory came at a huge price to the king. The troops deserved a celebration but instead returned home as if the enemy had defeated them. Joab recognized the impact of David’s actions and rebuked him for ignoring his army’s loyalty.
How should I respond?
Grief and despair are powerful emotions. When the chance for reconciliation no longer exists, the pain can become paralyzing. Rehearsing your regrets delays closure and impacts your ability to function. What situation overwhelms you with grief? Seek help before your emotions start impacting your responsibilities. Then, release your emotions to the Lord. You can trust God to help you handle them appropriately. Ask God to help you control your emotions rather than allowing your emotions to control you.