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POW*MIA symbol Day 129, Chronological Bible Study

Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Psalms 3, 4, 11, 23, 26, 12, 36, 2Samuel 16:1-14

You are Not Forgotten

If a person has lived in America even a short while, he has seen a black flag flown with an emblem of a bowed head silhouetted on a white background. It stands for those who are missing in action (MIA). Most were missing while serving on active duty during military maneuvers. Their fate is still unknown. Loved ones and friends fly the flags so we may never forget them.

“Leave no man behind” is the motto of America’s armed forces. Searches continue for those left behind, even if they are presumed dead. We want the families of those servicemen and our nation to know we have not forgotten them.

Enduring isolation and persecution are never easy for missing service personnel, and some of us are probably experiencing a form of this in our lives. Perhaps our contact with others is restricted. Maybe our enemy (even a relative) mocks or causes us to live in fear. Loneliness and intimidation bring us high stress, confusion, hopelessness, and despair. Has God forgotten us?

In yesterday’s Bible reading, when David is weak, his son Absalom betrays him and stages a coup to unseat him. He wants his father’s throne.

Confidence

David takes his family, citizens, and army from Jerusalem to protect the people from civil war. His concubines (secondary wives) remain at the palace to help take care of it. He also leaves the tabernacle in Jerusalem, sure that if God is pleased with him, the LORD will soon bring him back.

David walks away from Jerusalem in shame, and some think he is a coward. “Flee as a bird to your mountain,” they taunt, but David takes refuge in the LORD (Psalm 11:1, NIV). Along the way, he is mocked (Psalm 3:2), and he and his troops are pelted with stones and showered with dirt by a Benjamite still loyal to the household of Saul (2Samuel 16:5-13).

How does the king handle this mistreatment? Is his head bowed in despair? Is he angry? How would we react if, out of greed or jealousy, someone betrayed and intimidated us into leaving our position, and then our reputation was smeared?

We do not know the exact order of the Psalms written about that time; however, it appears King David exits Jerusalem with confidence. Despite Absalom’s attempted coup, David believes God will vindicate him. After all, God had promised David would continue his reign.

David proclaims, “But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head” (Psalm 3:3, NIV). The king has so much faith in God that he declares, “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8, NIV). He also writes, “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want [not lacking anything needed]” (Psalm 23:1, NIV).

The good king believes God will lead, guide, protect, and make it possible for him to return to the LORD’s tabernacle to worship him (23:1-6). He says, “My feet stand on level ground; in the great assembly, I will praise the LORD” (Psalm 26:12, NIV). In other words, early on in his exile, King David is not stumbling in his faith towards God, and he openly shares his faith with others.

Petition

When persecution begins, perhaps we, too, trust God will bring us through it, and there will be better times ahead. However, abuse, disrespect, and dishonor are not easy to bear, especially if they come from the betrayal of a son, such as Absalom, or a daughter.

Many people express pain and anguish when they experience hard times. David is no different. He wrote many of his Psalms about this dark period in his life. Yet, to whom does he make his complaints and petitions? David prays to God.

Arise, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people (Psalm 3:7,8, NIV).

Not Forgotten

Does God care? Yes, he does. Will he supply our needs? Yes.

Although David, his troops, and many people are with him, God blesses and feeds them. Ziba, the steward of Mephibosheth, brings food for these exiles (2Samuel 16:1-2). It appears that Ziba supplies their needs out of kindness, but later we learn that he may have been trying to curry favor with David (2Samuel 19:24-30). Nevertheless, the LORD takes care of them.

We may suffer hardships in our lives, but God is always with us. He has not forgotten us and will take care of us. Let us pray to him for our deliverance and help.

Focus Verse

Psalm 11:1 (NIV) “In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: ‘Flee like a bird to your mountain?’”

Discussion

When times are tough, how should we respond?

What comfort should we give to someone who thinks God has forgotten him?

praying hands Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:

Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com

Looking Ahead: Despite his hope, God does not immediately deliver David and return him to Jerusalem. What does he do while Waiting for Deliverance? What should we do? Find out in our Next Lesson.

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page last re-edited 5-9-2021

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