We continue with the story of David and Absalom. Bitterness drives them apart. Last time in part I, we looked at the parallel between David and Christ, along with the parallel between Absalom and Judas Iscariot. You can see that study here. Here are some counseling thoughts that come out of our study of David and Absalom:
Thought #1: David’s view of God and God’s will is most important in this situation.
God lovingly knows it is in our best interest and more importantly for His glory that the ultimate story is played out on our turf. The story of the David’s home and kingdom. David had to know this underlying principle as he began his ascent of the mount and his exit from Jerusalem.
David had to trust God to work out His desires and His designs in our lives. Absalom’s bitterness will not destroy God’s plan and David can resist the bitterness that had consumed his son. The reason David can trust God in this trial is because God’s ultimate will is not something capricious or careless in its design. God cares. He is David’s Father. 
Even David, knowing that some of his sins and weaknesses had brought these events with Absalom to pass, could say that He wanted God to do what seemed best. He trusted God. He knew God’s track record. In David’s pain, he saw His God. He did not see God punishing him. He had to see God—in kindness and love—establishing David further. David resists the bitterness (he could have been angry at God for allowing Absalom to take over) that had consumed his son.
So it is not that neighbor who brought your child to tears or your friend who left your church and cursed you to others or your dad who left your family alone and in a financial hole. And the list goes on. I hesitate to say these things because I know more hurt and pain is down the road. Just because I faced hurt previously does not mean I am done. But this is my God who is at work. I must speak this gospel truth to myself. The God of the cross is planning to work out more of His plan.
Thought #2: David’s view of God’s Word and promises is critical to hope in this dark time and temptation to be bitter.
Satan and men are intent on destroying God and His people. But in doing so, they actually accomplish God’s plan. Can we see this? It may be hard to comprehend. It may be hard to see that when Christ was nailed to the cross these evil men fulfilled God’s Word to mankind. God promised a Deliverer, a Hero of the ages. He must die that we can live. We don’t seek pain and hurt. We will have enough evil for each day and more than sufficient grace to deal with it. Satan thought he would destroy Christ and God, but instead Satan accomplished God’s prophecy and truth.
Although bitterness had driven David and Absalom apart, David needed to see God in this part of his story. David had God’s promises of the kingdom and covenant (II Sam.7). God promised to not take His mercy from David’s line. He would rest in peace with his fathers. But God had also said He would raise up adversity from David’s own house (II Sam. 12:11). This was part of how God handled David’s sin. I don’t have space here to explain further the difference between consequences, loving chastening, and punishment. But God did not punish David. He lovingly chastened him and allowed these events to be a part of God’s Word to him for the future.
Thought #3: David could believe that as he resisted bitterness other people could see God in these events.
See how David responds to Shimei and respond to his own mighty men that want Shimei to die for his actions. David says, “God has ordered this.” David knew God’s hand and trusted Him. David could just as easily have said, “Do what you want; it won’t be on my head.” But instead he takes the opportunity to show his men the right view of God and God’s character.
David’s godliness was a means of God showing Himself real in the trials and troubles of life. David had said to all his people, “If I find favor in the eyes of the Lord.” David counted on the grace of God. They all watched the Ark of the Covenant retreat back into Jerusalem. That ark had been a reminder of God’s presence and power. But David believed that God’s favor was found through God’s ways in the trials as well. David knew the goodness and kindness of God. “Let Him do what seems good” (15:26).
I close with David’s words in Psalm 3. They are possibly David’s words in prayer to God on the run from Absalom. “You O LORD are my shield and glory and the One who lifts up my head. Salvation belongs to the LORD. Your blessing is upon your people.” Selah. We are glad that David resisted bitterness in his own heart while dealing with the bitterness of Absalom. we will continue with Part III next time.
