II Samuel 15-17

“If I find favor in the sight of the Lord, then He will bring me back again” (15:25).  David refused to let the priests bring the ark with them as they fled Jerusalem, not wanting to use the holy object as a symbol of kingly power.  Knowing the throne was God’s to give and God’s to take away, David hesitated to lean on his own authority (16:11).  His beloved son was in rebellion (partly due to David’s own mistakes), and only God knew the outcome.

Manipulation, deception, and intimidation cannot achieve the good gifts of God.  We can trust His loving power to accomplish all things (Psalm 57:2).