Re:Verse passage – 2 Samuel 1; 2:1-7 (day five)
“Then it came about afterwards that David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up to one of the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” So David said, “Where shall I go up?” And He said, “To Hebron.” And David brought up his men who were with him, each with his household; and they lived in the cities of Hebron.” 2 Samuel 2:1,3
Sometimes the biggest struggle we face is when we seem to have power and opportunity given to us by God Himself. David had the first (promise of being King) already clearly communicated to him. The second (opportunity to immediately become King) was literally handed to him by the Amalekite. Wasn’t it time to step into the role and position David was created for? Not Yet. David shows remarkable patience and contentment by his response. He laments and grieves the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. He then asks the Lord for guidance and direction instead of immediately jumping into the position of king. Who does that? Why wait? Why not act on the circumstances? Because David has learned to trust God not only for His word and promises, but also His timing. It’s a supernatural sense of patience, peace, and contentment. J. I. Packer calls it “comprehensive contentment” and describes it as evidence of knowing God. I wonder if our actions, decisions, and motives reflect this kind of deep relationship with the living God?
Great topic to tackle. Contentment is not something that must be searched for and is found but is an attitude of the heart. Contentment is a good personal attribute, but very few people possess it and very few live it.
When worry seems to control every day’s life and decision, contentment is impossible. It is important to develop a lifestyle based on conviction, not circumstances.