| II Samuel 13:1-39; John 17:1-26; Psalm 119:81-96; Proverbs 16:6-7
“So they murdered Amnon. Then the other sons of the king jumped on their mules and fled. As they were on the way back to Jerusalem, the report reached David: ‘Absalom has killed all of your sons, and not one is left alive.’
The king jumped up, ripped off his robe, and fell prostrate to the ground. His aides also tore their clothes in horror and sorrow. But just then Jonadab (the son of David’s brother Shimeah) arrived and said, ‘No, not all have been killed! It was only Amnon!'” II Samuel 13:30-33
The majority of time it is better to investigate a situation before we take the first word on it. How many times have we been guilty of reacting, choosing a side or making a judgment because we believed a story and then found out that reality was far different from what we were told. I mean look at David, he immediately went emotional and ripped a perfectly good robe, shoot.
We are apt to overreact or form opinions if we believe the first thing we hear. Always do your best to investigate something thoroughly to ensure what you are hearing is accurate. I’m not minimizing Amnon’s death, but had David waited a minute, he could have spared himself that brief heartache…and that cool robe, dang!
On the flip side, make sure you have your facts right before you run off and tell something!
PRAYER:
Father, help me to keep a grip on my feelings and to study a matter completely before I make a decision or allow myself to get emotional. I don’t want to allow the enemy to keep me on high alert by being stirred up so quickly. Also, please keep me from saying anything prematurely that may cause confusion or distress. Teach me to be level, discerning, wise and strong. Thank you Lord, amen. |
