Background:
(When life brings us face-to-face with challenges and injustices, it can be hard to find a way forward because my family and I are VICTIMS to MANY injustices. For me and my husband, Michael, this has been a season of immense difficulty as we endure trials and insults from those who seem intent on tearing us down. We have felt the sting of betrayal and heartbreak, yet we are choosing to remain anchored in our faith, trusting God's plan through it all.
I was feeling pretty down the last couple of weeks because of the horrible insults, FALSE rumors and gossip I heard others say about my husband and I. IT IS STILL BOTHERING ME FOR SOME REASON!!! I know that most people in this world are one of three things- Selfish (They only think about themselves and do not care of others), Self-Centered (They prioritize their own desires and interests above all else) or the Lack Empathy (They struggle to understand or care about others' feelings or perspectives). So when my own family member tells me that no one cares-- proves that what is written in the Bible is even more true, even more believable because I am living it.
Michael and I were talking on the phone later yesterday evening and he said “What about King David and the man who cursed him? What did King David do in that situation?”
Our story reminds me deeply of King David, Shimei, and Solomon in the Bible. Their experience holds profound insights for those of us navigating seasons of persecution, reminding us that God's justice prevails and His timing is flawless. His timing is always perfect…)
King David’s Humility in the Face of Insults
David’s story in 2 Samuel 16 has resonated powerfully with me lately. Fleeing from his throne during Absalom’s rebellion, David encountered Shimei, a relative of Saul, who cursed and hurled insults at him. Shimei called David a man of blood and publicly humiliated him as David walked on, exhausted and broken.
For me and Michael, this mirrors the many verbal attacks and unfounded accusations we’ve faced. There are people who seem to take joy in kicking us when we’re down, making our pain heavier by tearing at our character and intentions. It’s deeply hurtful to feel like the world is turning against you, amplifying the injustice already on your plate.
Yet David’s response gives us guidance and hope. When one of his men, Abishai, wanted to silence Shimei by force, David stopped him, saying, “Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to” (2 Samuel 16:11). David recognized that perhaps God was allowing the insult for a reason—a moment of discipline, growth, or testing. David chose humility, trusting that God would handle the situation in His way and time.
This has been a challenging but vital lesson for us. Instead of reacting in anger or fighting back against every attack, we are striving to trust in God's plan. It’s not easy. Each insult stings, but we’re learning to release the pain into His hands, trusting that He sees and will vindicate us in His time.
Mercy in Forgiveness
After Absalom's rebellion was defeated and David returned to his throne, Shimei, now fearing for his life, came to him in repentance, begging for forgiveness. It would have been completely just for David to punish Shimei. Yet, in that moment, David chose mercy, swearing an oath not to kill him.
This resonates deeply with how Michael and I are striving to live. While we’ve faced betrayal, we are working hard to keep our hearts soft, avoiding the temptation to become hardened against those who’ve wronged us. Forgiveness doesn’t mean pretending everything is okay or dismissing the severity of what’s happened. Rather, it’s about refusing to carry bitterness in our hearts, trusting God’s justice to address the wrongs we’ve experienced.
Forgiveness is as much for us as it is for others. It lifts the burden of anger and helps us reclaim peace and hope in the midst of chaos. David’s decision to forgive was not a sign of weakness but a reflection of his strength and faith. That’s what we’re aiming for as well.
Solomon’s Justice and God’s Timing
David’s story doesn’t end there. Before his death, he instructed his son, Solomon, to deal wisely with Shimei. David held back judgment in his lifetime, but Solomon later enacted justice when Shimei broke a promise of loyalty. Solomon didn’t act impulsively but wisely, carefully ensuring that justice was served after Shimei’s continued disregard for authority.
This part of the story reminds me that God's justice isn’t always immediate, but it is always perfect. When we’re wronged, it’s natural to want an immediate resolution, but sometimes God asks us to wait. For so many years now, Michael has been awaiting justice, enduring hardship while holding on to hope that truth and fairness will prevail. The waiting is agonizing, and yet these stories in Scripture remind us that God sees everything. His justice is not slack, even when it feels delayed.
Just as Solomon brought final judgment in God’s timing, we are trusting that God will bring resolution to our situation. Whether through the work of others or a direct intervention from Him, we know He is always working on our behalf.
Putting Faith Into Action
Each day, Michael and I choose to confront these challenges not with despair but with faith. Like David, we’re leaning on God’s sovereignty, knowing that He allows every circumstance for a reason. When we face insults and offenses, we strive to remember that God’s opinion of us matters far more than anyone else’s. When the weight of injustice feels unbearable, we cling to the promise that “the Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed” (Psalm 103:6).
This doesn’t mean that the road is easy or that we don’t feel the pain of what’s happening. But it does mean that we’re trying to walk forward with the right perspective, finding comfort in God’s Word and strength in His promises.
Encouragement for Others in Trials
For anyone reading this who is facing a similar season of insult, injustice, or hardship, I want to encourage you:
- Trust God’s Plan: Just as God saw David through his trials and brought justice in His time, He is fully aware of your situation. Trust that He will handle it perfectly.
- Respond with Humility: When insults or accusations come, resist the urge to lash out. Instead, focus on your relationship with God and ask Him for the strength to endure.
- Choose Forgiveness: Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting the hurt, but it does mean releasing yourself from the weight of carrying it. Let God deal with those who’ve wronged you.
- Cling to Hope: Remember that trials are often refining seasons where God works in our hearts and strengthens our faith. There is purpose in the pain.
Michael and I are far from perfect in this, but we’re doing our best to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. No matter what the world says, no matter how heavy the burden gets, we know God’s love surrounds us, His justice will prevail, and His grace is sufficient for every step.
This season may be difficult, but it’s not the end. Just as David’s story reminds us that God is in control, our story, too, is being written by the One whose plans are good. We find comfort in knowing that with God, victims will not stay victims forever. He is the ultimate Redeemer, and we trust Him to bring beauty out of ashes.
To anyone walking through their own valley right now, I hope our story encourages you to press on with faith. God is with you, He sees you, and He will never leave you…