Victimization: Day 2
The LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife bore to David, and it became very ill. David therefore pleaded with God for the child; David fasted, and went in and lay all night on the ground.
2 Samuel 12:15-16 NRSV
Thought
The biblical narrative for the next five days describes the victimization and incipient grief of David, an acclaimed warrior, musician, and poet of many psalms. The actions of David at the illness and subsequent death of his beloved son may remind you of your struggle through grief. When you are a victim, you act and react, especially when calamity strikes your life. Perhaps, like David, you pleaded with God to spare the life of your loved one or to reverse the circumstances in some way. It is likely that the ground of David’s resting place was cold, hard, and dirty—perhaps not unlike the uncomfortable sofa or hospital recliner that may have been your resting place for days or weeks. In the identity of David, God speaks to you through this story about the human experience of death and grief.
Prayer
God, grief is so real yet so abstract. Thank you for the story of David. His response to victimization enlightens my own. Amen.
Assurance
I trust God’s plan for life.