I Chronicles 19:19
“So when the servants of Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with David and served him. So the Arameans were not willing to help the sons of Ammon anymore.”
It’s enjoyable to see how God blesses David. He always had. Some of the years were tough, but those were necessary training times. David referred to God’s blessings in Psalm 23. “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life”. It was so.
Proverbs 16:7 says, “When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” That’s what todays verse speaks of. Israel was trapped in a tough position. Surrounded by stronger numbers. But God delivered them. That’s what God does for His children. I wouldn’t say we always win, but the situations always are worked for good (Romans 8:28).
What an amazing God. The fact that He has control over all of our lives. He is never out of control. Like David had tough situations, so will we. There is much to learn. Fortunately He spaces out the lessons. It feels positive most of the time. However there are the dark valleys that all must pass through. Even those are great learning experiences.
We will have enemies that dislike us. However, we aren’t at war with them. 2 Corinthians 10:4 says, “for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses”. It’s spiritual. While they may be our enemy, we are to love them. Some call it “being the better person”. We don’t play mind games. It can be uncomfortable, but God helps us. We don’t play their game. We are genuine and loving.
We all have plans and goals and places we’d like to be. However, as God’s children we commit them to Him and ask His guidance. Your will be done. The life that He leads us in is amazing. That’s true for many reasons. He loves us greatly. Also He is brilliant at a high level. He can work His will in us while balancing all the lives we intersect with. He is the creator and sustainer of all. Handling our lives is easy for Him. Three dimensional chess is difficult. There are so many levels that God deals with it would blow a fuse.
He is seeking to bless and protect His children. He is also looks to draw those who aren’t. There are enemy forces involved. Some have rejected God and focus on self. This can invite the enemy in. Yet the devil is on a leash with us. God also respects free will. That scenario is complicated. God does it with ease.
His great love requires more focus. Looking at the cross is enough evidence. The great sacrifice He gave. He is humble and chose to live that way. He associated with the lowly. He didn’t have to. He could have been with the powerful, beautiful and interesting. Just as Jesus stopped and focused on Zacheus, so He stops and does so to us. Some get anxious when others focus on them. Some may have been criticized so focus makes them nervous. Not so with God. It’s all love. He knows where we hurt and wants to comfort. His love brings those barriers down.
God, thank You for the favor You give. Thank You for protecting us. The brilliant and loving way You balance this is amazing. You are so good. Thank You.