2 Samuel 2:10
“Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, was forty years old when he became king over Israel, and he was king for two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David.”
David is one step closer to being king of the nation. However there is resistance. Abner, the commander of Saul's army made Saul's son king. This is no small thing. Being in charge of the army has much power. It would seem almost all of it. David has a foothold though.
God is in control. We don't see David complaining or plotting. Just like the last decade had David on the run. While I'm sure he wanted rest, we don't see complaints or sour attitudes.
The interesting thing is when David eventually got complete control is when he sinned by adultery. It's as if the presence of problems creates a greater dependency on God. That explains in paradox of 2 Corinthians 12:10, "Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in difficulties, in behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong."
Paul says in Philippians 4:11,12, "Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need." We prefer all problems to be solved and all resistance to be resolved. However, God usually has a different aim.
God wants to use us to bring others to Him and to work His character in us. That often involves difficulties. Sure we work towards their resolution and we ask for the Lord's help in doing so. In the process we are brought to those who God is drawing. Sometimes it's an invitation to Christ. At other times it's our witness and no words are traded.
Paul's comments about contentment involves praising God and being grateful in the moment. David was king over one of the tribes. He wanted his enemies conquered, but he also praised God in the present. We are to do the same.
2 Corinthians 2:15 says, "For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." I picture oranges being crushed for their juice. The sweet fragrance rises. So, as we go through trials, we wrestle with difficult people and we ask for God's help to love them. This attracts some and repels others. How they receive it is God's business. We are to love all and praise Him.
Lord, thank You for David's great example of trust. He worked towards complete rule, but accepted the moment and praised You every step of the way. Help us to do the same.