Re:Verse passage – 2 Samuel 20 (day five)
How did David do it? He kept leading and serving in the midst of betrayal, attacks, rebellions, danger, difficulty, death of loved ones, and consequences from his own sin and disobedience. In the midst of all these conditions and circumstances, David was still doing “kingly things”. The temptation for us is to give up and check out. But not David. In the midst of all the pain, suffering, disappointment, and tension, there is courage and contentment that keep David engaged with God and in leading the kingdom. I believe David’s perspective and persistence are a byproduct of being in covenant with God (remember 2 Samuel 7). Peace is evidence (fruit) of being in a covenant relationship with God. It is not simply a feeling of inner tranquility, but rather something deeper and stronger. We see this explained in the New Testament (Galatians 5:22, Philippians 4:7) and demonstrated many times in David’s life.
“God’s Peace brings us two things: power to face and live with our own badness and failings, and also contentment under ‘the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune’.” – J. I. Packer
I love Dr. Packer! He once taught the book of John at Laity Lodge and said of that Gospel, “A child can paddle in its edges, and an elephant can swim in its depths.”
God promises to give us peace and contentment if we trust him (Philippians 4:6–7). There was evident that David trusted God fully and believed that God had a plan for him and his kingdom.
Contentment, contrary to popular opinion, does not mean being satisfied where we are. Rather, it is knowing God’s plan for our lives, having a conviction to live it, and believing that God’s peace is greater than the world’s problems.
Wishing you peace and contentment!