When I read a chapter in Scripture that fills me with disquiet, and I begin to pray, my thoughts start swirling to concerns for now and for people I love here. I realize this world we live in is a storm. Think of all the drama and storms you experience without warning. Our souls long for peace and for the safety and security of love. God reminded me to breathe. He’s here beside me.

In 2 Samuel 15 Absalom, son of David, knows his father is King of Israel. He knows. He wants to take from David the throne. He begins by going to the city gate where everyone passes through and directs them to him for justice claiming there is no representative of the king to hear you, v. 1-4. Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and so he stole the hearts of the people of Israel. v. 5-6.

Absalom takes 200 men from Jerusalem to accompany him as guests while he offers sacrifices. He declares himself king v. 10. When David is told, he and his officials leave Jerusalem. It’s hard to imagine these events taking place and yet sadly, not. The storms of pride, arrogance, desire for power play out in every age. In the notes below: David wrote several psalms during the days of Absalom’s rebellion. Some of them are Psalms 39, 41, 55, 61, and 63.

But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot. All the people with him covered their heads too and were weeping as they went up. v. 30.

David loved. He loved God. He loved his son. One of his own advisors has gone with Absalom, so David prayed, “Lord, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness.” v. 31.

David never forgot Who was his strength and Who was his protector. Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. Psalm 39:4, 5, 7.

If only Absalom had had a heart for God and not just for himself, he would have honored his father, David, as king and more importantly, he would have honored God who is Holy.

Do you long for peace? In your own heart and in this world? For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7.

Help us to know how fleeting our life is, Lord, and help us to look to You, our Rock and Redeemer who brings peace that is everlasting and real displacing every storm.