Have you ever faced a seemingly never-ending problem? It just drags on and on way past the point you are comfortable with. It is frustrating and confusing at the same time. Before one problem is solved, another two pop up. What do you do about it? What can you do about it? 2 Sam 21 opens with King David facing the challenge of a devastating famine that has gripped the kingdom for not one month, not one year, but three long years. Do you know someone who cannot skip even one meal?
During the reign of David, there was a famine for three successive years; so David sought the face of the Lord. (verse 1)
What did David do? He does not try to solve the problem on his own. He does not put the blame on others. He turns to God. He seeks the face of the Lord. Another translation says he inquires of the Lord. The very act of seeking God’s guidance is an important lesson for all of us.
When the oceans rise and thunders roar, the difficulties arise, when the road ahead looks ominously sinister and sinisterly ominous, our natural tendency is try to work it out if we can, or worry if we cannot. The first verse of 2 Sam 21 reminds us the first thing we should do, that is to seek God’s will and God’s view.
Start with a prayer. Tell your Father in heaven about your concerns. Pour your heart out to him. There is no need to pretend when we come to our Father. Ask him for wisdom. Ask him for guidance. Immerse yourself in the Word of God. Read it. Memorize it. Meditate on it. Journal it. Think about God’s promises. Remember God’s faithfulness in the past. Connect with those in your community of faith. Talk to your pastor, cell group leader, friends. Get support from them.
When we actively seek God’s face, we open ourselves to his wisdom and strength. He may remove the difficulty. He may not. He will surely guide you through it and give you the peace that you need. He will surely give you the strength to face each day. His grace is sufficient for you.
I invite you to say this prayer.
Dear Father, when I face challenges and uncertainties, please help me to remember to turn to you first. Give me the wisdom to seek your guidance and faith to trust in your perfect plan. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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