2 Samuel 19:2, New International Version

“And for the whole army the victory that day was turned into mourning…” 

There are many things we can learn from King David. From a shepherd boy whom God had favored upon to the time when he had sinned against God by murdering his loyal servant Uriah. He faced Goliath with only five stones in the name of God, but he was also a father who fled from his own son Absalom. (1 Samuel and 2 Samuel) We can probably see a lot of our lives in his. A time of bravery and trust, as well as a time of grief and regret. However, one of the most important things we can learn from his life is this: Don’t miss the big (God) picture because of our personal circumstances.

David knew how to fix his eyes on the Lord’s heart. Whether he was on the run from the wrath of king Saul or being cursed by Shimei son of Gera, He did not lay hands on Saul, and did not repay Shimei. Instead, he honored God in all circumstances. (1 Samuel 24, 2 Samuel 16:5-14)

He repented when conviction came. He followed when God called. He accepted and surrendered to the Lord’s judgement when his child died. (2 Samuel 12:18-23) Yet, he had turned the day of the Lord’s victory into his mourning.

“… for the whole army the victory that day was turned into mourning, because on that day the troops heard it said, ‘The king is grieving for his son.’ The men stole into the city that day as men who are ashamed when they flee from battle…

 Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, ‘Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines. You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come on you from your youth till now.’” (2 Samuel 19:5-7, NIV)

Absalom, son of David was dead. A father lost his son, a tragedy had happened. But another tragedy had happened long ago when Amnon raped Tamar (2 Samuel 13), and David did not say a word. That event led to Absalom pursuing David. (2 Samuel 15-18) As David was focused on his own guilt and faults that led to his mourning and the heaviness of losing another son (Amnon was struck down at the order of Absalom - 2 Samuel 13:23-29), He missed the mercy God for him and his army, as God’s promise to establish his kingdom forever.

Do we make the same mistake today by failing to recognize the victory of the Lord in our lives? Do we focus on our human weaknesses and allow ourselves to be led by our emotions? Remember, the moment Jesus died on the cross was not a moment of failure, but the victory of the Lord for all mankind. May we all see the heart of God and align with His plan.