Throughout our lives, we have encountered all sorts of people: those who love us, those who do not like us, those who adore us, and those who despise us. The same scenarios are depicted in 2 Samuel 16. When David went up to the mountain weeping, as Absalom joined Ahithophel and rebelled against David. On his way, David meets two people. One is Ziba, the man who gave two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred bunches of raisins, a hundred bunches of fresh fruits, and a leather bag full of wine. He cared for and comforted David in his life's toughest situation. The other man who came to meet David is Shimei. Verse 6 says he started throwing stones at David. He was not afraid of David's bodyguards and cursed him. David had no energy or mind to revenge against that fellow as he was in too much pain and humiliation. For David, the actual pain of being hunted by Absalom was painful, not Shimei's words. David was calm when he was given gifts by the first man, and he was also calm when he was insulted by the second man. David left his case to God. Hey friend, if you are seeing both of these people in your life at the same time, praise God for the good ones and leave the rest in God's hands. David was so sure that God knew what was happening in his life at the time of his weeping. One surprising thing about the world is the promises of people who say they will never leave our lives. But God will allow us to see through our tears those who truly stand. More than that, through all our weeping, God never leaves and stands with us. Dear God, may we never be shaken by the reactions of everyone around us. May we always be assured that your love is consistent. May we have the courage to stand with people when they weep. May we always keep ourselves away from cursing anyone. Like you have taught us, may we bless them. Help us to live your teachings, dear Jesus. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."
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