2 Samuel 19:5-6 “5 Then Joab came into the house to the king and said, ‘Today you have covered with shame the faces of all your servants, who today have saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, the lives of your wives, and the lives of your concubines, 6 by loving those who hate you, and by hating those who love you. For you have shown today that princes and servants are nothing to you; for I know this day that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, then you would be pleased.’” 

MOURNING

This is a sad story.  Absalom, David’s son, had rebelled against his father.  During battle Absalom is killed.  That was done against David’s orders, but Absalom was trying to overthrow his father’s kingdom and probably would have killed David if given the chance.  But as any father would do, David was mourning for his son, even though he meant him harm.

The problem with this was it was the wrong time to mourn.  David’s army had defended his reign and were left to feel like they had failed.  David’s mourning for his son was seen as a slap in the face to those who had fought for David.  David’s mourning wasn’t wrong.  It was just misplaced, at the wrong time.

TEACHING MOMENT     

I pray your children never have to mourn.  There is nothing sadder to me than to see a child crying over the death of a loved one.  But we as parents must teach our children that mourning is a natural, healthy thing.  We are flesh and blood.  We feel true loss when someone we love dies.  That could be a relative, friend or even a pet.  But mourning is meant to last for a season, not a lifetime.

And our mourning should never cause others to feel uncomfortable.  Our mourning should be directed towards the Lord.  He is the only one who can truly comfort us.  As believers, we know that death is only a temporary separation from our saved loved ones.  So, do all you can to lead those you love to Christ.

Are you mourning appropriately?  I don’t want to seem callous and uncaring, but ask the Lord to guide you in your grief.  Let Him be your comforter and solace.  He knows your deepest emotion and can fill you with peace.

O Lord, send your comfort on the grieving hearts today.  Fill them with your everlasting peace.