Rest on the Run

II Samuel 16:12-13 “It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day. And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill’s side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.”

This passage in II Samuel recounts the story of David fleeing for his life. He was on the run from his own flesh and blood, Absalom. This story reminds me of people problems in life: “when it rains, it pours.” As bad as the situation was, with David fleeing for safety, this man Shimei is “up in the grandstands” cursing and casting dirt. David was on the run but needed rest.

Do not forget that David was a warrior-he could have squashed this little “pest” without much trouble. On top of that, one of David’s servants, Abishai, was more than willing to take care of the problem: “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.” (verse 9) But instead of taking on people problems, David entrusted other people to God.

David acknowledged his part is verse 10 when he said, “So let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?” David acknowledged his part, but he also entrusted people to God. In verse 12 he said, “It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.” David gave his people problem to God, and he trusted that God would requite, or repay.

So what is the key to having rest on the run? David shows us that you must entrust other people to God, believing that He will repay. Today’s troubles are big enough without your worrying. But in the midst of troubles, you can find rest the same way David did. Our natural reaction is to return evil for evil; yet David-every bit as human as we are-found rest on the run.

Do you have people problems today? Ask God for wisdom to know what you ought to do. It really is a matter of trusting God-“the LORD will requite me good. . . .” Keep in mind that God is the One in control. Psalm 90 may be a great help to you. That psalm reminds us that God takes vengence, is our Judge, and is our defense. You can trust His timing and His way for the people in your day.