I Chronicles 19:12,13
‘He said, “If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the sons of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will help you. Be strong, and let’s show ourselves courageous for the benefit of our people and the cities of our God; and may the LORD do what is good in His sight.”’
David’s general, Joab, was out on a mission for the king. He was in a tough spot. Both the fore and aft positions they were against had stronger numbers. So he took the might men and placed the back to back and gave them today’s verse as a plan and a charge to be courageous.
How to we apply this to our lives? I can think of a couple ways. The first is we will face difficult circumstances. Rarely are we talking death, just tough circumstances. We need to face the day having prayed up and trusting that God will work it out. We may have no idea, but we trust and go and live it. Joab’s closing comment was “may the Lord do what is good in His sight.” Sometimes circumstances are rough and there will be a rough ending. It’s not that God isn’t there, it’s just rough.
God will still work it out for the good. We often don’t know how. Maybe it’s a character building exercise. Maybe it’s living out and through tough circumstances. I’m in a tough work situation presently. I could retire, but I don’t think that’s what God has for me. Budget cuts are coming and two to three coworkers in my department will be let go. I’m asked somewhat frequently when I will retire. It’s not my fault, but I feel the cold stare from some. I feel I’m being obedient, I just have to walk in confidence that He will work it out.
This is where faith comes in. We trust that He will work it all out for the good. We also have to not care what people think. Not in an insensitive way, but not as a man pleaser. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.” Our fear of God must come first. Trying to predict how people will respond is difficult and fickle. Saul’s fear of man caused him to disobey God. It eventually caused him to lose the kingdom. Obey God regardless.
Another point about today’s passage is the reliance upon our brothers. We help each other. Philippians 2:3,4 says, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” There it is. Be considerate of others.
Lord, thank You that You are in control. Even though we will encounter tough circumstances You’ve got us. It won’t always work out rosey. Trust Him and forget it. Don’t try to mollify people, don’t be defensive. Be kind and live confidently.