Day 2: Misjudged!
When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle” (1 Samuel 17:28).
Our Father and our God, every word You have spoken is trustworthy and true (Proverbs 30:5, Luke 1:37). And You have definitively declared that it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose (Philippians 2:13). Furthermore, we know that You can do all things; no purpose of Yours can be thwarted (Job 42:2).
Yet we confront, within and around, obstacles that seek to distract, deter, delay and derail us from accomplishing what You have willed and determined. Overt or subtle, familiar or foreign, opposition rises in many forms to meet us, to discourage us, to dissuade us.
But even before we realize we have entered the fight, the battle is the Lord's (1 Samuel 17:47). It was so for David, who en route to fighting a giant, first had to battle a barrage of criticism, disparagement, misunderstanding, and unfair accusations— from no less than his own older brother. But undeterred from the mission You had assigned him, he confidently told King Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him” (1 Samuel 17:32).
Help us Lord to be as resolved— strong in the assurance of the Lord's anointing, appointment, and empowerment: Now it is God who makes… you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).
O Father, let [our] gentleness be evident to all (Philippians 4:5), as we strive to live by Your instruction: If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18).
But when we are misjudged, misunderstood, maliciously accused, unkindly labelled, and unfairly criticized, bring Your strengthening, affirming words to our heart: Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame (Isaiah 50:8).
Keep us from the bitterness and unforgiveness that would dwell on wrongs— mindful that we too, need forgiveness for so much, and mindful that You have told us, Do not repay anyone evil for evil... do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17, 21).
Thank You for the promise that In the shelter of Your presence You hide [those who fear You] from all human intrigues; You keep them safe in Your dwelling from accusing tongues (Psalm 31:20).
Today, we choose to do as You have asked us, confident in the outcome You have assured:
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun (Psalm 37:5-6).
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