1 Samuel 25:31

New International Version (NIV)

And when the Lord your God has brought my lord success, remember your servant.”

For Meditation

Concealed torment is a tragic aspect of life. People dress well and go out confidently. They take pride in their appearance and achievements. Their communities and workplaces respect them for their positions of authority. Yet, deep down in their hearts, they are in torment. There is a deep gulf of troubles no one sees. It is a carefully concealed and guarded secret. They wear the mask well but hemorrhage in despair.

They are your favorite politicians, artists, Hollywood stars, sports personalities, journalists, accomplished intellectuals, and businesspeople. Your husband or wife may be among the enlisted despite your glossy marriage. Look deep into their eyes, and you can glimpse the pain you have ignored. 

Nabal could have heard the anguished cry of his wife Abigail if he had cared for her. But how could he? He was an equal victim of the same malady. He had everything and found delight in his estate. Yet he was “harsh and evil in his dealings,” a scoundrel and fool, as his name meant, and he drank his sorrows away (1 Sam. 25:3, 25, 36). How such a man could have for a wife, a woman of beauty and intelligence like Abigail, always amazes me. But that is the power of money and the tragedy of arranged marriages in that culture, which may have ensnared Abigail. Going by the wealth and likely comforts of their home, no one may have guessed the constant anguish in Abigail’s soul to get out of the marriage until the day she intervened and appealed to David on her family’s behalf (23-31).

A woman of tact and discernment, Abigail sensed the opportunity of a lifetime and knew what to do. David would indeed become the king of Israel soon, and here she was, having an audience before him this way. She smartly seized the opportunity and staked her appeal.

“And when the Lord your God has brought my lord success, remember your servant.”

Rescue me from this hellhole when you come into your kingdom, David. Her heart cried out. That is the anguished cry of every sinner and oppressed person.

We heard it from the other crucified criminal by the side of Jesus on Calvary:

“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Lk. 23:42).

How could Jesus deny the cry of such an anguished soul He came to die for and everyone like him who cries to Him for salvation (43)?

You may be that criminal on the cross by the side of Jesus or, like Abigail, caught in the oppressive situation you cannot free yourself from, but you are now standing before the future king of Israel. Chance did not put you there. Grace has come to your rescue. Seize the opportunity (Ephesians 5:15-16).

Take faith with you in the counsel of Matthew 11:28-30 and Romans 10:9-10, 13, and let yourself into the saving hands of Jesus, the only Savior, the King Eternal. He will save you from your anguished situation.

Pray with Me 

Hear my cry, O Lord, and deliver me from my tormented soul. I need your peace that transcends understanding to guard my heart and mind in Jesus, my Savior and Lord, amen.