David and the Heart of God - Week 6: Anger!

Scripture: 1 Samuel 25.

Pastor’s teaching is on “Anger” today and a particular incident in David’s life before he became king. David and his men were in a desert area and nearby a man named Nabal from Maon is at his property in Carmel for shearing his 3,000 sheep and 1,000 goats.

David, having at one time protected Nabal’s shepherds and flocks, sends 10 of his men to Nabal to greet Nabal speaking good health to him, his household and to all that was Nabal’s. They recounted when David and his men protected Nabal’s shepherds and flocks and then ask for Nabal’s favor in sharing with them whatever Nabal thought was fair or appropriate.

David’s words were gracious, but Nabal a surly, mean man responds saying, “Who’s this David? Why should I take my bread and water and meat and give any to his men who come from who knows where?”

David’s men report this rejection back to David who responds in anger with, “Strap on your swords.” He and 400 of his men head back Nabal.

David has revenge in mind but then Abigail, Nabal’s wife, hears how Nabal responded to David and she comes up with a plan to stop David’s intended revenge. Abigail’s chooses to act and her response is not only dramatic it is instructional. 

Abigail’s Response
    ⁃    Clear thinking
    ⁃    Decisive action
    ⁃    Calculated risk

Abigail packs bread, wine, meat, grain, raisin cakes, figs and loads it on donkeys and goes where David and his men were without telling her husband Nabal.

She comes to an angry David and his men on their way to find Nabal. Abigail falls at David’s feet. David has 400 men with him, his temper is on edge, and now this lady comes to him. Abigail asks David not to pay any attention to what Nabal had said. And she says, “let this gift your servant has brought to my Lord, be given to the men who follow you.” Then she asks for forgiveness and goes on to talk about all the Lord must have in store for David, that he is a man who has not sought revenge, but rather did things God’s way. She proceeds with a curse for all who pursue David and a blessing of security in the Living Lord God for David. She ends with a request for David to remember her when the Lord fulfills His promises to him. She says he would not want to have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed and then she closes with a request for him to remember her.

Abigail’s response was issued with grace and spirit-guided wisdom with an emphasis on the things of God and it changes David’s heart in an instant. He responds, “Praise be to God who has sent you to meet me. May you be blessed for keeping me from bloodshed and from avenging myself.”  David is convicted.

David is a man who has God’s heart, and even when he has gone astray, he is willing to take correction. 

Dealing with Anger
    ⁃    Recognize the danger
    ⁃    Practice self-control
    ⁃    Deal with the cause
    ⁃    Respond graciously

Only the Lord God can give us the strength and resources to truly control our anger.

Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.

Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/david-and-gods-heart

Join us Sundays 
https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.