13 A messenger came and told David, “The hearts of the people of Israel are with Absalom.”… 19 The king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you come along with us? Go back and stay with King Absalom. You are a foreigner, an exile from your homeland. 20 You came only yesterday. And today shall I make you wander about with us, when I do not know where I am going?
King David has one of the worst days imaginable. His own son, Absalom, leads a revolt against his leadership of Israel, wooing away the hearts of the people David has faithfully served.
David flees Jerusalem and says he doesn’t know where he is headed (v20). The position he had been long anointed for, patiently waited for, and performed so admirably in was being wrenched from him. Everything he had was taken away from him. He was lost, not knowing where to turn.
What a terrible place to be. Can you relate to it? Where do you go in times like this?
Verse 32 tells us where David went:
When David arrived at the summit, where people used to worship God, Hushai the Arkite was there to meet him, his robe torn and dust on his head.
David ascended to the summit of the Mount of Olives. Why did he do that? Because that was where people went to worship God.
When trouble strikes and his enemies arise, David runs to the Lord. He knew, the Lord is his strength in times of trouble (Ps 59:16). That was how David became the great man of God he did. His was a God of comfort in sorrow, peace in chaos and strength in the midst of the trial.
David’s life is so instructive for you and I. In spite of his many difficulties, in spite his many failings David was under no illusion as to where His strength lay. It lay in his relationship with God.
PRAYER: Father, I want to know you as David knew you. I choose to draw strength from you today, in worship and prayer. Fill me with your strength by your Spirit. In Jesus name, Amen.