2 Samuel 15:25
‘And the king said to Zadok, “Return the ark of God to the city. If I find favor in the sight of the LORD, then He will bring me back and show me both it and His habitation.”‘
David had always had a great faith. Here he is in one of his darkest times and he still demonstrates it. This is quite the catastrophe and it appears his heart rate is normal. God created him as a warrior. Part of that is to be at peace in chaos. He can be at war and he is still observant and calm. He knows God still loves him and will take care of him.
David also knows that God isn't in the ark. It's a symbol. He doesn't need it as a good luck charm. In essence, he knows that if God wills, he'll be back. What an example to us. It all goes back to Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want...". David see that God is walking him out of the city. It's a new leg of the adventure. As always, he has hundreds that are accompanying him. He's good with it and they love him for it.
I'm not sure if he sees this as his fault. He was a father that didn't appear to discipline his kids. He didn't correct Amnon when he raped Tamar. While he showed disapproval to Absalom, it didn't appear as if he corrected him. Also, God said as a judgement upon him that the sword wouldn't depart from his house. This seems to be the result of that.
Whatever the case, David is fleeing for his life, but he isn't casting blame anywhere. He submits himself to God. We will find ourselves in some tough spots. Some will be of our doing, others won't. If we submit ourselves to God, He will bring us though and will allow everything to work out for the good.
This is no small task. He works the circumstances of life to do what they are supposed to do. Like when a mobile is touched the entire thing moves. So also, our actions affect all of those around us. God works that in all of us.
He seeks to draw all to Himself (John 12:32). He will work in everyones circumstances to do so. Some will reject Him, others will accept Him. It's unfathomable, the brilliance to be able to accomplish this. Way too many moving parts. But He is God. It's easy and probably fun for Him.
The Egyptians got to see His power. It was nothing for Him. It blew their minds. God doesn't often do shows of power, outside of the ordinary. He isn't seeking to show off. If one comes to Him it isn't due to a show of power, but because of a thirst. Some may need healing or help.
Jesus criticized those who sought for signs (John 6:2). I can recall being desperate in my sharing of Christ. I shouldn't have been. Share it with confidence and let them decide what to do with it. God doesn't want any one unless they want Him.
Jesus told parables partly to protect the His message. We aren't to cast pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6). If they want it, they would seek and find. Parables are clever stories that illustrated something about the kingdom of God. Their meanings aren't obvious. There are parts that are curious. The seeker would put in effort to find the meaning. The mocker would see it as a waste of time and move on.
Lord, thank You for being our Shepherd. Even if we are escorted out of the city with danger on our heals. You are with us and there is nothing to fear.