Inner Strength!

In Paul’s letter to Titus, we find the reference to being “self-controlled” (ESV) five times within the first two chapters. It is used in association with the elders (1:8), the older men (2:2), the young women (2:5), the younger men (2:6), and the way we are all to live in response to the grace of God. (2:11-12) Self-control is not based on reliance on environment or outward rules and restrictions, but on a strength developed within.

A couple days ago we noted “superpowers” and the super ability of David as he retained his trust in God. Such was demonstrated in the many victories accredited to David. However, there was another strength of David that strikes me every time I read about his life and that is the times he demonstrated marvelous self-control.

Again and again David had to flee and hide away because Saul sought to take his life. However, though David knew Saul’s intent, when David had the opportunity to kill Saul, he did not take it. When Saul came into a cave in which David and his men were hiding, David was encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity, but he would not. ( 1 Samuel 24:4-7) When Saul again pursued David, David was once more given the opportunity while Saul slept in the midst of his men, but again spared Saul’s life. ( 1 Samuel 26:8-9) Each time David was content to LET GOD deal with Saul. ( 1 Samuel 24:15; 26:10) David was unwilling to put out his hand against “the Lord’s anointed.” ( 1 Samuel 24:6; 26:9 & 11)

Later on, after Saul had died and David became king, there were still situations faced which showed remarkable “self-control” on the part of David. When David’s son Absalom conspired to take over the kingdom, David fled and as he and his men were going out, Shimei (a man of the house of Saul) pelted David and all those with him with stones and cursed at him. ( 2 Samuel 16:5-8 & 13) Though David had the authority as king, he did not allow anyone to kill Shimei ( 2 Samuel 16:9-11), but was content to LET GOD do what He chose regarding the situation. ( 2 Samuel 16:12) Then, following the death of Absalom, when David and his men returned, Shimei hurried to meet them and fell before them to ask forgiveness for his earlier actions toward him. ( 2 Samuel 19:16-20) Though Abishai felt Shimei should be put to death for having cursed the Lord’s anointed ( 2 Samuel 19:21) David would not have it.

Note David’s response.
“(22) But David said, ‘What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should this day be as an adversary to me? Shall anyone be put to death in Israel this day? For DO I NOT KNOW THAT I AM THIS DAY KING OVER ISRAEL?’ (23) And the king said to Shimei, ‘You shall not die.’ And the king gave him his oath.” ( 2 Samuel 19:22-23)

David was king. He was God’s choice. David knew it and therefore had NOTHING TO PROVE! He was willing to let it go and LET GOD deal with it. Prior to David’s death he spoke to his son Solomon regarding those who had been his enemies, including Shimei. ( 1 Kings 2:8) Shimei was eventually ordered by Solomon to be put to death for disobeying what he had agreed to do. ( 1 Kings 2:36-46) It was then that Shimei became accountable for his sins.

Trust in God has been expressed by the statement “LET GO AND LET GOD!” That doesn’t mean to let our self-control go, but rather recognize how in many situations we need to turn lose of the focus on what others have said and done and LET GOD be the One to ultimately deal with it. Let us trust God to handle such situations as we live on as His faithful children. He knows how to work things out. Our energies can be used for better purposes than revenge, especially since that is His department. ( Romans 12:19) May this strength of David be exhibited in our life.

Have a great day RESTRAINED BY A RETAINED TRUST IN GOD!
Carl

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