Because of this broken world, we face struggles in life but faith brings recovery and hope so keep the faith. Each new day, take hold of what the day may bring to help and pray that joy can reside as you strive to make the difficulty subside.

The key people in 2 Samuel 16 are David who faces two terrible humiliations in today’s chapter. The other is the steward of Saul’s household named Ziba who helps David with supplies and food as David was leaving Jerusalem when he was running from his son Absalom who was trying to take over Israel. Another person is named Shimei who provides the first humiliation when he curses David along the way.

Ahithophel is another key person in today’s passage who gives advice to both David and Absalom. In today’s passage, Ahithophel advises Absalom to sleep with David’s wives in front of all of Israel, so we then get today’s second humiliation of David.

David responds to the humiliations with some poise. He didn’t allow his nephew named Abishai to cut off the head of Shimei in the first humiliation. He also takes the second humiliation of being disgraced by Absalom having sex with his wives in broad daylight with some poise. David expected trouble within his household so he was prepared. Remember from 2 Samuel 12:11 that calamity was promised within the household of David as punishment for what happened with Bathsheba.

The lesson for each of us is that when faced with humiliation, we should respond with poise. In tough times, keep thinking about how God loves you. Know that he will bring you through. You can get through difficult experiences, things will get better, and you will be lifted up high again to do great things in the future.

This day with You Lord, help us to endure distress and know You will bless. Things in life can be disappointing and we can react in the wrong way but You are always available to remove the obstacles and bring recovery. Christ has entered in with grace and we are thankful that we can take hold of what the day may bring so we can overcome. Amen.