Day 131 – 2 Samuel 10, 1 Chronicles 19, Psalm 20

Talking Points

• David’s conflict with the Ammonites and Arameans begins as they doubt his good intentions in sending his servants to them. They disgrace the servants and send them away, rejecting David’s kindness. Notice how the entire conflict (one that will end in many deaths) is started by the words of a few doubters (1 Chronicles 19:3). How many great conflicts start with the lies of a few?
• The army of Israel wages war and is successful. Psalm 20 contains one of my favorite verses: “We will sing for joy over your victory, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners. May the LORD fulfill all your petitions” (20:5). Before the battle even begins, God’s people can be confident in victory! They expect to see God’s faithful deliverance and expect to sing and celebrate in joy.
• In this account, we see an important pattern. The victory is provided by God, but requires their faithful obedience. The army is to be ready, to make plans, and to act courageously carrying out those plans. All of that is done trusting God to work. (2 Samuel 10:13, 1 Chronicles 19:13).

Thoughts

Reading today, I was reminded of something I never want to forget. I don’t want to forget the times I saw God faithfully, powerfully work in my life. And yet, I am prone to. Isn’t it just like me to pray for something, to seek God’s help in something, to desperately ask for His movement, and then, once He answers, to just move on? How sad.

In Psalm 20, we read the prayer of God’s people. They need His help. Trouble has literally surrounded them, and their only hope is that God would act. “May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble!” (20:1). They cry out to God. We sense their desperation. And, then, there is a glorious turning. They begin to praise Him, knowing He will move! They begin to make plans to sing in joy over the victory! Their cry becomes not, “Lord, help us,” alone, but “God, we boast in You.” Before the battle ever begins, they are celebrating success.

How does that happen? That only takes place when you are confident in who God is. That happens when His victories of the past and His promises for the future are so ingrained in your memory, they shape your perspective in the present.

Lord, You are so faithful. Help me to cherish the memory of Your work in the past. Lord, help it build my faith in the future.