Instant Rage

There are many ways to view King David, but boring isn’t one of them. He was a complicated character described as being both a psalmist and a warrior. He showed tremendous faith at times but he had his character flaws as we all do.

Throughout his life there were a number of critical moments where if he made a different decision, his journey could have ended up without a crown. One of those was his response to Nabal’s rejection and insult.

David’s men turned around and went back. When they arrived, they reported every word.  David said to his men, “Each of you strap on your sword!” So they did, and David strapped his on as well. About four hundred men went up with David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies. “It’s been useless—all my watching over this fellow’s property in the wilderness so that nothing of his was missing. He has paid me back evil for good.  May God deal with David, be it ever so severely, if by morning I leave alive one male of all who belong to him!” (1 Samuel 25: 12-13, 21-22)

Instant rage was his immediate response. His intention was to kill Nabal’s entire household. Obviously he wasn’t thinking clearly, nor was he thinking about God’s calling on his life. If David took matters into his own hands he would have committed murder.

Can you relate with David? Have you ever experienced instant rage over an offence or rejection from someone? How did you respond?

Jesus knew what it was like to be offended and rejected, yet through it all He continued to offer love and forgiveness. We might think that David’s desire to kill was extreme but Jesus, knowing our hearts far better than we do, equated the consequences of anger toward others to the consequences of murder. “The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20)

Human anger is the first stop on the line to murder. It’s dangerous and must be stamped out immediately.

When we experience that instant rage, it’s at that moment that we need remember God is in control. He knows the entire situation and He will handle it in His way and in His time. We risk missing our our God given purpose when we take matters into our own hands and seek revenge. If David had followed through with his revenge, his sin would have been much greater than Nabals.

Be Intentional about taking your frustrations to God.

Praises & Prayers

Father I thank you that You have given us Your word concerning revenge and anger. Help us to take our hurts, disappointments and frustrations to You and trust that You will make things right. Still our anger and help us to wait for Your timing and will. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Messages from His Word

Romans 12:10

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.