2 Samuel 21

Merab was first promised to David; but he was prevented from taking her as his wife.  If she had gone with him, would their children be in danger with this request?  I love how God just cuts that situation right out of play with the preemptive groom switch (and the subsequent barrenness of Michal).  It may have been hard back then; but it would have proven much more difficult emotionally, politically later.  Thank You God for Your preemptive provisions - especially when I do not understand them.  Please increase my faith and trust in the goodness of Your hand and increase my scope of spiritual vision to comprehend the grace You afford me and others.  Lord, You are good and what You do it good, right and perfect.  I praise You for Your Omni-omni-omni'd-ness.  You are All in All.

I love, God, how You divinely allow the giants to continue to be a threat; but You continue to grant the victory.  I praise You for Your unfailing faithfulness.  I praise You for those You gave to protect David; as he sought You, You looked out for Him in the small and large ways.  Your plans are not messed with nor ever foiled.  Only You.

2 Samuel 20

Joab was over Israel’s entire army...

Joab was able to speak frank truth to the king, he had a heart for his men and the country, he knew how to be a warrior, how to listen to wisdom (even from a woman), represent the goal and move towards it wisely yet circumspectly. He could do well the difficult things war and soldiering demand of a person. He was soldier-smart. I hope he knew God.

Lord, You have given us, those made in Your image, tremendous potential and we can do well many things. However, the most important thing is knowing You, responding to You, heeding You. Without You, we will only impact this temporal realm – and not for Your Kingdom. I echo Paul, please let me consider, prioritize, emphasize all that I have, can do, have done or am associated with be nothing compared to You and without You. I need You to teach me how to live with You as and at my life’s center. May I make You famous as Joab did David, hearten me for the difficult tasks, strengthen me and grant me discernment that i not make it about me.

2 Samuel 19

"Don’t I know that today I am king over Israel?”

Lord, may I know today and live today who I am in You; and grant this every day following for which You bestow me breath.  May I walk in the fulfillment of all You have entrusted me to steward, that You may have much fame and glory in this corner of Your Kingdom. 

2 Samuel 18

The king answered, “I will do whatever seems best to you.” ... “Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake.”

Humility, taking advice from his advisers, imploring mercy for one who does not deserve it.  Brokenhearted over the loss of his son, his traitorous enemy.

Lord God, I praise You.  Lord Christ, You were the ultimate example of humbleness and humility, taking on the form of a man, doing only what the Father said to do - His will, whatever was best to Him, was what You did.  You plead mercy for us with Your life and severe sacrifice - me, your perfidious rebel.  And Your divine emotion for Your people, Your chosen and adopted chosen ones. Oh, how You love.  May I return the gift, to the praise of Your great and tender Name.

2 Samuel 17

David continues to find favor with God, even when he fails to look to God.  David continues to find favor with the people, too.  

God of David and even me, I thank You and praise You that Your favor is not dependent on me or my understanding of a situation.  Please grant me vision to better see, determine where and how Your favor is surrounding me, that I may better praise You. 

2 Samuel 16

restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today.

I praise You Father that Your covenant is a blessing and a faithful one, at that.

the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God. 

Lord, keep me from giving or receiving advice like one who inquires of You. Ensure, O God of Eternity that I am one who inquires of You and that any words I offer or receive are words that result from Your inspiration.

First World Babylon problem: 4.24.12

Got "fussed" at (with really large hand gestures and questionably mouthed words/explitives) by a semi-truck driver in the parking lot of (you guessed it) WalMart because I was temerarious enough to be in my appropriate lane and attempt to exit reasonably when he wanted to take both lanes and turn into the gas station. I should refrain from my madcap activities in public.