Room for God's Judgment

Scripture: When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Praise be to the Lord, who has upheld my cause against Nabal for treating me with contempt. He has kept his servant from doing wrong and has brought Nabal’s wrongdoing down on his own head.” Then David sent word to Abigail, asking her to become his wife. 1 Samuel 25:39

Observation: Vengeance belongs to the Lord. David had been wronged by Nabal, and was fully justified in his anger. He had already treated Nabal well, caring for his shepherds in the wilderness, and simply had asked for whatever Nabal could spare in return. Nabal not only declined the request, but insulted David.

So David was fully justified as the anointed heir of Israel to avenge his name and take as he pleased. However, doing so would be a sin, and before he could do so Abigail intervened, and then God took revenge on Nabal ... striking him dead, and giving David Abigail as a wife.

If David had followed through with his plan, he would have killed Nabal and his entire household, and then taken food. However, allowing God to take revenge resulted in even more ... David was fed, did not have to risk his men, and received a wife.

Application: I am ALWAYS too quick to act. I am a man of action - when someone has done something against me, I respond, be it in life or work. How many times does that work out well for me? Almost never. At best, I make the other person feel stupid and wrong ... which is actually a shame upon me in the eyes of God, makes me often appear petty and arrogant in the eyes of others, and earns me an enemy. And again, that's the BEST result.

How often do I just stop, be still, and wait to see how God will work the event? Very rarely. When I have, the results have always been great. I have typically been rewarded while the perpetrator is punished.

How stupid am I to not trust God every time??? Don't answer that.

Prayer: Abba, my dad in heaven, you are so wonderful, so loving, so kind. Your justice is wise. So why do I take actions that would call that justice down upon myself, instead of allowing you the room and time to act? Please forgive me for my foolishness - a stupidity based in pride and selfishness. I seek both humility and patience in my dealings with others, so that I can personally provide blessing and love, while allowing you to act however you deem best. Thank you for your love in my life, Lord. Amen.