The above verses are from the Bible account of Absalom's plot to take the throne away from his father, King David. When Absalom leads a widespread revolt against his father, instead of David crushing the rebellion, he flees Jerusalem with those who have remained loyal to him. If you know anything about David, you know he was no coward. Many historians consider him the most courageous and successful warrior of all time. Yet here, he chooses to leave his beloved city behind so that it would be spared from certain destruction. While it takes great courage to stand and fight, sometimes it takes even greater courage to walk away and leave things in God's hands. These verses reveal the magnitude of David's faith in God. When faced with betrayal, injustice, and disappointment, he entrusts himself to the Lord and says basically, "Thy will be done."

Perhaps you've been in David's place at sometime in your life. If you've ever been passed over when you believed you deserved a promotion, you have an idea of how David must have felt. If the position at church or in school you thought you deserved went to someone else, you can empathize with him. If you've ever felt betrayed or unjustly mistreated by family members, you've been in David's shoes. David was a faithful servant of the Lord, and he loved God with all his heart. He made mistakes, and he suffered the consequences. He trusted God in the best of times and the worst of times. And even when his own son rebelled against him, David entrusted himself to the Lord, and God eventually restored him to his rightful place as king. First Peter 2:23 says that when Jesus was treated unjustly, "he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." Considering the outcome of their lives, do you think that David or the Master ever regretted leaving themselves in God's hands? No way. Next time you are confronted with injustice and disappointment, if you'll entrust yourself to the Lord, when all is said and done, He will honor you and lift you up!

Prayer: Lord, I know that serving You doesn't guarantee that I'll always be treated fairly. But sometimes when I'm faced with unfairness, the hurt and bewilderment are just too much for me to bear. In times like these, remind me that Your Word says You are a "God of Justice." And give me the reassurance that You will work even my trials out for my good. Thank You that You are on my side!