READ: 2 Samuel 16:5-12 (KJV)
5. And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera; he came forth, and cursed still as he came.

6. And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David; and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left.
7. And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial;
8. The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son; and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man.
9. Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.
10. And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?
11. 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.
12. It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.

MESSAGE

Our memory verse today is a pointer to one fact: when we are locked down, we should discover what God really wants us to learn at such times. It is amazing to read the Psalmist saying “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes” (Psalm 119:71). “It is good” the Psalmist says, “that I have been afflicted”. For what reason? “That I might learn thy statutes”. This is incredible!

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. – (Romans 8:28)

The Psalmist knew the benefit of a lockdown. In today’s Bible text, we read about David’s experience when a palace coup was staged against him by his son Absalom. As he was fleeing, a relative of King Saul – Shimei came forth, stoning and cursing David and his entourage. A servant of David, Abishai was enraged and sought permission to kill Shimei but David’s reaction was completely different, as he believed that God was teaching him a lesson through all the problems he was faced with.

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. – (2 Samuel 16:11).

There are a lot of lessons to learn from the lockdown of David. David believed that God allowed it for a purpose. He did not fight back at the man who cursed and insulted him since his son Absalom, had done worse. He believed that all things would work for his good (Romans 8:28). He taught his followers that the furnace of humiliation would perfect God’s will for his life. Children of God should share this belief for whatever situation they may find themselves in, with faith that all things would eventually work together for their good.

PRAYER POINT: Father, please turn all my gloomy moments to brightness today, in Jesus’ name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Numbers 34-36

HYMN 27 – WHEN UPON LIFE’S BILLOWS YOU ARE TEMPEST TOSSED

1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
   When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
   Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
   And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

CHORUS:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done,
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
   Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
   Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly,
   And you will be singing as the days go by.
3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
   Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold,
   Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
   Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
4. So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
   Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
   Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
   Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

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