2 Samuel 16:13
“So David and his men went on the road; and Shimei kept going on the hillside close beside him, and as he went he cursed and threw stones and dirt at him.”
We will have bad days on occasion. I Peter 4:12 says, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." Don't be surprised.
How are we to respond? A couple of responses come to mind. Philippians 4:11 says, "Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." We attempt to remedy our situation, but not to panic or get anxious. We are to be content. It's as if we are on a journey. There are different legs of it. They may be hot, dry, boring, difficult or beautiful. We do our best, then tolerate it.
Another response is I Thessalonians 5:18, "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." We are to be thankful in all things. Like last time, we aren't to remain in rough settings. We can do all we can to extricate ourselves from them, but to be thankful all along the way.
A siamese twin to contentment is patience. It's the fourth fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5. It's a fruit as in it's the result of being in Christ. As we abide in Him, He works it in us. It isn't learned in green times. It's tough days like today's verse which teach it. Like a loving parent uses opportunities to teach a child, so God uses these days.
These traits are huge marks of being a christian. Among other things they are great witnesses to others. The old song has the chorus, "they will know we are christians by our love". If we were to add others verses, we could sing about thankfulness and patience.
How does God help us in these times? This verse shows how we often we will have friends and loved ones with us. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, "And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart." If we are in Christ, we would have close and dear friends to walk with us in difficulty.
It is a skill to learn to have others share our burdens. Many suffer alone as they don't want to appear weak or don't know how to reach out. It is healthy and good to reach out to others when we are in need.
There are times when we will need to suffer alone. God will be our shepherd at these times.
Lord, help us in these tough times. Help us to be patient and thankful in all things.