“As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the same clan as Saul’s family came out. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he cursed as he came out. He pelted David and all the king’s officials with stones, though all the troops and the special guard were on David’s right and left. As he cursed, Shimei said, ‘Get out, get out, you murderer, you scoundrel! The Lord has repaid you for all the blood you shed in the household of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. The Lord has given the kingdom into the hands of your son Absalom. You have come to ruin because you are a murderer!’
“Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, ‘Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head.’
“But the king said, ‘What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the Lord said to him, “Curse David,” who can ask, “Why do you do this?”’
“David then said to Abishai and all his officials, ‘My son, my own flesh and blood, is trying to kill me. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. It may be that the Lord will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today.’
“So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt. The king and all the people with him arrived at their destination exhausted. And there he refreshed himself.” 2 Samuel 16:5-14
Against the irritation, disrespect, and threat of Shimei, we might side with Abishai. Obliterate the cruel curses! Give him what he deserves! Defend the rightful king! But the man after God’s heart had an internal monitor that thrummed with the Divine. He knew what could happen when emotion ran unreined, and rather than repeat a hard lesson, he put it into practice.
David had learned to trust God’s timing, mysterious ways, and bigger plans. He allowed room for what his Lord allowed and ordered. Having experienced His deliverance and unwarranted favor before, he believed God could work good from bad circumstances if He so willed. It was best to leave these things to Him.
We too have inner compasses, plumb lines, and timers, and are wired to adjust what’s going on around us to our conscience and standards. A strong sense of justice, or compassion, or righteousness often dictates our decisions and plan of action. It’s vital we keep impulses in synch with the Spirit of God who works all things for good for His own, and whose timing is impeccable and ways are pure. We never know what we miss when we get in His way and impetuously take matters in our own hands, but we can be sure of His blessing when we leave them in His. (Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 8:28)
Where am I prone to jump to quick action without thinking? Are there heart-held passions that dictate punishment or retribution before weighing what the Lord might intend or prefer? How deeply do I trust Him to work out His good ends?
Lord, teach me to give room to Your plans and trust Your best ways in everything.
As the rain and snow 