Daily Devotional for Friday 19th January
The Path of Blessing
In the last of this chapter, we see David responding with gracious words to Abigail, as well. David blesses God for sending Abigail to him, and David blesses Abigail for her “discernment” and actions, which prevented David “from bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand” (v.33). As we have read in previous chapters, David chose not to force outcomes by his own hand. He chose the better way of letting God be in charge of his destiny. And David sends Abigail home in peace.
Nabal, on the other hand, was throwing a party and getting drunk, very drunk says scripture. Abigail, therefore, did not tell him what had happened until the following day. When he heard all that had happened and what David had said, Nabal’s “heart died within him so that he became as a stone” (v.37) and 10 days later he died. Perhaps he had a stroke; regardless, when David hears Nabal has died, he blesses the Lord for keeping his own hand from bloodshed but also in taking vengeance on Nabal “returning the evildoing of Nabal on his own head.”
The next thing David does is propose to Abigail! This wise, gracious, beautiful woman was now a widow, so he sent a messenger with his proposal, and Abagail was pleased to accept. She hopped on a donkey and went off with 5 maidens who attended her, to be David’s wife.
Divine outcomes are often surprising. And we can trust God with the outcome of our lives.
Time to reflect…
Sometimes surprises are the best gifts. When we ask for what we want, we may get that, but when we trust the Giver, we may enjoy a surprise blessing that is even better than something we could have asked for. Where in our lives could this be playing out?
Pause to pray…
Dear Father God, You are the best giver! Your gifts are always perfect, particular, and life-changing. Please help us to wait to see what You want to give us, and then make the most of how You want us to use that gift or circumstance. May it be for Your glory! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
