And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him. It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day. 2 Samuel 16:11-12 KJV
How do you react when people viciously attack you? Shimei had cursed David excessively. He even followed after him kicking up dust and throwing stones. Abishai wanted to respond with the sword. I suspect in similar cases many of us would like to do the same. Somehow it seems right to curse those who curse us. David provides a far more godly approach. Rather than attacking the one who attacked him, he submitted his case to God. He believed that, for some reason, God had allowed it and that God would use it for his good. Granted, that is a difficult response, but which do you think is better, the brief satisfaction of responding in the flesh, or the blessing of a righteous response before God?
Lord, I confess when people attack me, I want to attack them. I also know I cannot be the person You want me to be if I live at such a level. I want to live to a higher standard. Help me to always submit my case to You rather than responding in the flesh.
