“LIFE’S MOST DIFFICULT BLOW”
(The Leader’s Pains)
II SAMUEL 1:1-27
How many times has the notice of the death of someone dearly loved by a leader been the breaking point of their life? I believe that life’s most difficult blow for the Christian is not their on death but the death of those we are closest to.
The number of deaths in the world may fluctuate widely from one year to the next, but a rough estimate of annual deaths is 60,000,000 or about two every second.
The word bereave means to deprive ruthlessly or by force. I believe the real agonizing pain of death is its earthly finality. Being deprived or denied the presence of somebody we love for the remainder of our life is the most severe of all heartaches.
What can we learn from David’s experience with life’s most difficult blow of pain?
There are three important elements revealed in David’s painful experience in this event of his life that that contain practical lessons that can help us cope with our painful experiences.
There is His:
I. RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD I SAMUEL 30:6, 8
(The Practical lesson: The most important relationship in our life is with the Lord, because relationships and people are vulnerable, but our relationship with the Lord is the only one that we can always depend on.)
A. The Presence of the Lord is vital
Observation: You don’t see the Lord nor His hand in this chapter but He’s there!
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
“... I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20)
B. The Provision of the Lord is comforting (See John 14:16-17 & 26)
C. The Peace of the Lord is strengthening (See John 14:27; Philippians 4:7)
II. RESPONSE TO THE PAIN 1:5-27
(The Practical lesson: An emotional upheaval during times of internal pain is common even to those who are walking closest to God.)
A. Denial 1:5
B. Grief 1:12
C. Anger 1:14
D. Depression 1:26
E. Acceptance 2:1
III. RECOVERY FROM THE TRAGEDY 2:1
(The Practical lesson: The healing of the heart is a process that at times can be slow but we can be assured by God’s grace that it is certain.)
A. Resumed his fellowship with the Lord 2:1 “David inquired of the Lord”
B. Resumed his commitment to the Lord 2:1 “Shall I go up”
C. Resumed his direction from the Lord 2:1 “Where shall I go up?”
