2 Samuel 16-20  This portion of scripture records the events from the time David flees from Jerusalem to the time he returns.   David loses and grieves deeply for the his son Absalom... perhaps the most significant event in this account.  David is so lost in his grief that it makes the people who fought for him feel ashamed of their victory.  Joab comes and rebukes David and helps restore him back to leading as he should. 

But, David is a changed man.  This grief has effected him in every way. He returns to Jerusalem and resumes his life as king of Israel. He sends Joab to put down further revolts. But, it seems that David is no longer enthusiastic about being king. Perhaps this is what brought David to turn his focus more on the Lord and His Kingdom as opposed to the physical kingdom of Israel. 

What will open our eyes to the things "unseen"?  What grief or pain, what betrayal or disappointment? What rebellion or persecution?  We will face trials and difficulties in this life.. the Word makes that very clear.  And we are told to "count it all joy".. ( James 1:2) BECAUSE- God uses those trials to produce good fruit in our lives.  Without troubles we would not learn to endure. Without learning endurance we will not be made complete in all that God has for us.  Peter wrote , "In this you greatly rejoice even though now for a little while, if necessary you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious that gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." ( I Peter 1:6-7)

David certainly endured through trials and his faith proved to be imperishable.  He endured. He wasn't perfect, but he left a testimony that we can be encouraged by..  "We are waiting for Adonai; he is our help and shield. For in Him our hearts rejoice, because we trust in His holy name. May your mercy, Adonai, be over us, because we put our hope in You." ( Psalm 33:20-22)

May this be our prayer today. Amen.