2 Samuel 21:22
“These four were descendants of Rapha in Gath, and they fell at the hands of David and his men.”
These were frightful opponents. They were relatives of Goliath. Huge men who were warriors. One of them had David in his sights. This was a close call, as David was older and didn't have the stamina he once had. One of David's men had to step in and rescue him.
In his youth, he wasn't afraid of Goliath. Times had changed and David wasn't in the condition he was once in. David's men vowed to not allow him to go to battle with him any longer. David didn't counter them. He was almost killed.
After Bathsheba, David was probably committed to going to war yearly. But he is too old to fight. He needs to yield to reality. It could have been he risked the lives of others having been there.
We will encounter situations that are too much for us. God will deliver us. It may be through our friends around us. God often steps in and deals with it. I can recall a time last year when a health scare in our family changed the dynamics with some of my coworkers. It took the wind out of their sails. It seemed they were empowered prior to that. It wasn't until months into that I sensed a change. God used that situation to protect me.
The lesson from today's passage is to stay away from situations that are too much for us. Sometimes it's not our fault. David should no longer be in hand to hand combat. I no longer mountain bike or ride motorcycles. It was once fun and appropriate. Not now.
It can be difficult to accept. Pray about it. God may have an appropriate substitute. He also may take away the desire. He did with me. Sure, it hurt to a degree, but I'm not bored.
To ignore reality can get us killed. Some are threatened by it and push strongly against it. In Christ, there is plenty to do. He will give us peace in this. Psalm 23 says our cup runneth over. Jesus fills our lives with joy and purpose. Let go of that which is no longer a fit.
Lord, thank You for different stages. Thank You for Your joy and purpose that fills us. Thank You for rescuing from those things that could hurt us. Help us to be wise.