Let Downs And Disappointments

-May 8, 2023-

Good morning, happy Monday,

“Then someone told David, saying, ‘Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.’ And David said, ‘O Lord I pray, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!’”

(2 Samuel 15:31).

David faced many disappointments in his life. He was mistreated and falsely accused by Saul who sought to kill him; his very close friend Jonathan chose his father over him; he was forced from his throne by his own son Absalom who sought to kill him; and worst of all he was betrayed by his close friend and personal counselor Ahithophel. David found his solace in the Lord.

Ahithophel joined forces with against David, so much so that he advised Absalom to hunt down and kill his father. When David left Jerusalem because of the coup of Absalom, David was informed that Ahithophel joined in the conspiracy to usurp the throne. It must have felt like a knife in his back. David felt betrayed, and he was. God answered David’s prayer to turn Ahithophel into foolishness. After he gave counsel how should pursue David and attack he and his men, Hushai, another of David’s loyal friends was sent by David and find out Absalom’s plan. He too gave counsel to Absalom and he chose to pursue Hushai’s counsel instead. Ahithophel was so disappointed in it that he went out and hung himself.

Ahithophel was a betrayer just like Judas who betrayed Jesus for twenty pieces of silver. He eventually hung himself also. David’s mighty men who remained loyal defeated the Israelites under Absalom and he was killed by Joab when he was caught in tree by his hair.

Sometimes we may feel let down by others we love or even betrayed. We may feel slighted. It is hurtful and sad, disappointing and depressing, but we must give it to the Lord as David did. David described Ahithophel in Psalm 41:9, “Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.” Let us take the matter to the Lord and leave it there. He will work things out. May the Lord help us to repay good for evil, not evil for evil. Let us not bemoan the situation but turn it into something positive and be a blessing.

The hymn writer Arthur A. Luther wrote, “Earthly friends may prove untrue, doubts and fears assail; One still loves and cares for you, One who will not fail. Jesus never fails, Jesus never fails; Heaven and earth may pass away, but Jesus never fails.” We may have hurt feelings and ruffled feathers, but we can still fly.

Have a blessed day with Jesus who always loves us and will not fail us, no matter who else may. Stay safe and healthy.

Forgiving others is the best tonic for what ails us,

Dean