2 Samuel 1

And just like that, David’s breakthrough bursts open, his enemy is defeated, and David does what?
Option 1-does the end zone victory dance for the crowd
Option 2-Sings and shouts praises to God
Option 3-Rushes to Jerusalem, overthrows Saul’s cabinet of advisors and gets fitted for a crown.
Option 4-Grieves and laments the death of Israel’s God-appointed King and his most loyal and deepest friendship on earth.

Hmm…might there be a lesson of David’s great leadership in choosing option number 4? Perhaps we need an in-depth look at this incredible choice so we can apply it to our own circumstances, as wee seek breakthroughs and victories.

Have you ever dealt with an enemy? Enemy might be too strong of a word for some. Let’s use a softer version of that word. Maybe opponent, foe, adversary, nuisance, falsifier, frenemy, backbiter, informer, defamer has a better ring to it. You may even be smack dab in the middle of a gigantic battle. It’s pretty clear that our nation is in this very place at this very moment in history.

Before we go any further, I want to challenge you (and don’t worry-I am doing exactly what I’m challenging you to do!) with these thoughts.

Remember that David has been on the run and in an unsettled state in the wilderness for years. At the beginning of his wilderness years we got to hear all of the emotional pain that was caused by the turmoil of his situation and the pursuit of his enemy. The Psalms is full of heartfelt prayers to God that were written in the Secret Place in David’s prayer time.
Application #1-Expressing our pain to God Most High in the secret place of our private interaction with Him is by far the most healthy emotional choice we can make when we are in the throws of spiritual warfare.
Application #2-Even with several opportunities to annihilate His enemy by the enemy’s own sword, David chooses instead to honor God and His commandments. He gives up his earthly “right” to seek vengeance upon Saul. He exchanges that right for the righteous and heavenly crowning of walking in humility and honoring the ways of God.
Application #3-The season of compromise and wandering was ended with one breath and one utterance of calling on the name of the Lord. His circumstances immediately changed when he got to the end of himself-and recognized his need for God. Notice that in his year and a half in Zicklag-David’s focus on Saul, his enemy, almost dissipated. And with his return the to Lord’s Way, the enemy was defeated for David without his knowledge or his presence. It was accomplished when David was suited up for an entirely different battle to regain the loss of his family.
Application #4-David’s perspective of the “enemy” is transformed in the 6-7 years he spent on the run. His heart was tender, moldable, and above all David honored the crowned king of Israel choosing to see King Saul through the eyes of God. He proclaims with a public declaration quite the opposite of what I have ever thought of Saul. Was that just me? Instead he professes the beauty of God over Saul’s life, and of course that of his best friend David.
Gulp-how hard is that application to make in your own personal life? I am happy to report that through the power of the Holy Spirit-it is possible and it is one of the greatest freedoms we can experience in our personal relationships.

Those applications are all for our personal lives. However, in the volatile state our country is in, I believe this can be applied at a macro-level.
Application # 1-express our emotional pain, sorrow, and grief for our nation to God most High.
Application #2-Honor God’s Ways and walk in humility and honor to Every. Single. Human we come into contact with Every. Single. Day.
Application #3-Utter the name of Jesus with your whole breath and return swiftly to His embrace. Ask for His Presence to strengthen believers of every race, political party, and denomination across this country to walk in humility to Every. Single. Person. in our circle of influence.
Application #4-Ask Jesus to show us the beauty of those we often view with earthly, dirty, murky lenses. We NEED to see everyone through the eyes of Christ. Soften hearts, awaken compassion, and ignite your steadfast unconditional love, to every believer. Unite us in LOVE.

This is a simple prayer, and one I learned from Mike Bickle. It’s one I’ve prayed for many years.

Let me see what You see, and feel what you feel about (fill in the blank)-here is a little help if you’re struggling for a name. The backbiter, opponent, adversary, nuisance, looter, rioter, peaceful protester, victim, grievers, governors, political influencers could fill that blank. Teach me how to love the way you do. Show me the real enemy, who is not a person. I choose to honor You and your ways oh God. God raise up your army of broken vessels-completed and made whole by your blood. May we humble ourselves and see the real enemy of darkness and sin in this nation. I believe with all of my heart that the love Your believers know and have experienced in the secret place could break forth across this country. Your vessels 🚢 whom filled with undeserved forgiveness, the power and anointing of your Holy Spirit can be the breakthrough for this nation. May we love on bended knee, bring a cup of cold water and be a conduit of the healing agent of your Holy Spirit this nation so desperately needs. Break our hearts for what breaks Yours. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.