We Can't Just Run Away

Based on 2 Samuel 16-18

Although God had a way of favoring David and protecting him amidst all the troubling things he went through, he still wasn't exempt from facing his problems and facing some consequences. On the run from Absalom, David was reminded of the person he once was:

"And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial: 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." 2 Samuel 16:7‭-‬8

It was difficult for David to hear these things, to be reminded of his past, but it kept him humble. He could have lashed out and killed this rude person, like Abishai wanted to, but David had a different perspective:

"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? 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 16:10‭-‬11

Just before this incident, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth (Saul's son) came to refresh David and his men with food and other gifts. The person who verbally attacked David cursed him for attacking Saul's house, yet David showed favor & kindness to Mephibosheth. So, even though David did shed blood in his past (especially in the case of Uriah), he was also reminded of the times he showed kindness as well. We can't run from our problems, but we can't escape God's favor either when we desire to do the right thing!

There was also an interesting scenario with Hushai. At first, it looked as though he was betraying David and counseling Absalom on how to find David and his men (since Hushai was a good friend of David's, yet he ended up in Absalom's camp). But later, we realize that this was done in David's favor, for his protection, and Hushai was still on David's side:

"Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled. Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that are with him."
2 Samuel 17:15‭-‬16

David did make mistakes which were known by many, and God did say his household would experience trouble for it. David did not have a disciplined relationship with his sons, although he loved them. This is why Amnon committed that sin with Tamar, and why he was now on the run from his own son Absalom. But even still, David had a heart after God, and God protected him through the things he had to face. We can't run away, but we can go through it all with God! Again, God sent someone to sustain David & his men:

"And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lo–debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim, Brought beds, and basins, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse, And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness."
2 Samuel 17:27‭-‬29

David should have helped his sons to grow close to God in the way that he did...he could have avoided this difficult situation with Absalom...yet David's heart was tender toward him and of course did not want to hurt him. Yet, this did not stop Joab, who had an agenda of his own:

"And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom." 2 Samuel 18:5

"Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak." 2 Samuel 18:14

David mourned dederply for his son. He probably thought of all the things that could have been, about his sons being his successors rather than his enemies, receiving power instead of fighting for it. David had some things he couldn't run from. He had made some negative impressions in his past. But the important thing is, he wanted to go forward with God. He humbly accepted who he was, and in doing so, God sustained him along the way.

"And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!" 2 Samuel 18:33