Leave him alone and let him curse, for the Lord has told him to do it. And perhaps the Lord will see that I am being wronged and will bless me because of these curses today”

2 Sam. 16:11-12

For Meditation

You are distressed already, needing some consolation, and looking forward to some rest. A man comes along the way. He rains insults and curses at you, reminding you of your worst nightmare. You can squash him like a mosquito. The people around you suggest they do just that for you if you are too exhausted. Why should that insolence be displayed before you, they ask. What do you do?   

I like David’s response in this situation when he was running away from Absalom his son, who had raised an insurrection against him. “See how my son who came from my own body seeks my life. How much more now may this Benjamite? Let him alone and let him curse; for so the Lord has ordered him. It may be that the Lord will look on my affliction and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing this day” (2 Sam. 16:11-12).

Difficult to do what David did, right?

The secret lies in a Christ-focused attitude in suffering, insults, and abuse (Heb. 12:2; 2 Cor. 12:9-10). It is powered by self-control and enabled by the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:23).

So, can you be a David or Paul today? Can you look to Christ in your suffering today before you strike back at your Shimei?