Perceive: In the previous write-up on the first half of this psalm, David described his trial and betrayal. In the second half of this psalm, he provides a testimony. This segment contains three sections. In the fifth section, he goes back to calling out to God with his complaint, knowing that the Lord hears and will soon act (16-19). In the sixth section, he describes how his betrayer violated his covenant, and his behavior was wicked (20-21). In the seventh section, he shares an exhortation to place your burdens on the Lord, look to Him for sustainment, and keep the faith (22-23). When friends hurt us, the burden is often too difficult to handle alone.
 
Practice: God wants us to cast our cares on Him. Unfortunately, we often use the arm of flesh and the need for quick relief to bypass a time of suffering, especially when it involves betrayal. David was in such a difficult situation he prayed three times a day: morning, noon, and evening (17). Praying three times a day is a great model. Praying throughout the day is an excellent way to maintain correct priorities and have a better Scripture-based focus on any problems and difficult circumstances you are facing. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7).
 
Pray: Father in heaven, I cast the following anxieties on You ___________________. I know You care for me. 

​This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

Perceive: The content of this psalm places this as a good place in the life of king David. David has certainly experienced some serious treachery in his kingdom. In the first half of this psalm, David pronounces his trials. The entire psalm contains seven sections. The first section describes his cry out to God and expresses his fear and his feelings about the situation (1-5). The second section describes his longing for a safer, more secure refuge (6-8). The third describes his request for God to confuse his enemies (9-11). The fourth section describes his heart at the realization of a false friend who worshiped and worked alongside him. (12-15). Betrayal is a heavy thing to handle and something that almost every man deals with sooner or later.
 
Practice: Few things hurt more than a wound from a close friend. However, in the lives of most men, there are times to risk the relationship. A true friend learns to speak the truth in love to help someone close to him. He also wants his close friends to do the same for him. Real friends stick with you through thick and thin. In times of trouble and in times of plenty all friendships are tested. The way you work through an issue determines how deep your relationship will go. On this Solomon wrote, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy” (Proverbs 27:6). NASB
 
Pray: Sovereign God, help me to hear others speak truth into my life. Help me to speak truth to my friends and family. ​

This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

Perceive: As in every rebellion, a day of reckoning finally arrived. Sometimes God's judgments fall swiftly, sometimes He waits and acts slowly. The battle takes place in the forest of Ephraim where Absalom’s faces the end of his life. It is interesting to note that Absalom's hair, a symbol of his pride, was the part caught in the forest tree (14:26). Absolom’s pride becomes the cause of his downfall, as it does in many men's lives. A certain man reported his situation to Joab who was angry the man did not kill David’s son. Instead, he took three spears and plunged them into Absalom’s heart. Once dead, he is thrown into a deep pit where soldiers place stones on top of him.
 
Practice: Absalom’s pride was his downfall. God is not mocked; a man reaps what he sows. The Torah (Deuteronomy 21:23) declares that anyone hung on a tree is under God’s curse. Absalom rebelled against his father (Deuteronomy 27:16), slept with the concubines in David’s harem (Deuteronomy 27:20), and stole the hearts of the people. He had around twenty-thousand troops to David’s two thousand. Even with these seemingly insurmountable odds, Absalom could not escape God’s judgment and neither can anyone who sins against the Lord. God will certainly forgive sin, but He seldom removes the consequences.
 
Pray: Thank You, Lord, that You do not always treat me as my sins deserve. I am so glad You cast them as far as the east from the west. 

This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

Perceive: The exact date for writing this psalm is not known; however, based on the content this is a good time frame in the life of David for him to pen these words. David displays devoted trust during times of deep trouble. His life is in jeopardy, and he pours his heart out before the Lord and prays for relief (1-10). He can't see immediate relief in sight, so he acknowledges the greatness of God, asks for lessons in the right way to live (11-13), and prays for a sign of God's goodness (14-17). He knows God answers prayer.
 
Practice: Sometimes the troubles in life are so great that all we can do is cry out to God for mercy, forgiveness, relief, and restitution. When relief is slow to come, we can acknowledge the goodness of God and wait for His answers. He will always answer prayers, but not always in our desired time frame or in our desired way.  Peter's words echo this principle, "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." What anxieties do you need to cast on Him? What troubles are you facing that need heartfelt prayer?
 
Pray: O mighty God, You are always good and right when You act or delay an act when it is in my best interest.

This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

Perceive: Perceiving that Absalom and his army would soon arrive, David numbers his troops and then divides them into three companies.  He places his three top leaders Joab, Abishai, and Ittai as their commanders. Whatever tactic Absalom and Amasa used in their approach, David’s men would be able to respond and help one another. David wanted to lead from the front, but the people told him to stay in the city where he was somewhat safe behind its walls. They knew that Absalom’s soldiers would make going after the king their top priority. If David stayed in the city, he would be somewhat safe, and he could send out support if it were needed. David accepted their conclusions, he didn’t want to fight his son, but neither did he want the army to kill a rebellious Absalom!
 
Practice: Once again David is reminded of his failures as a man and as a parent. He knows this is God’s divine will for his life, and it breaks his heart. In serving the body of Christ in a local church, we need to do things, sometimes tough and difficult things, for the King’s sake and glory. Doing tough things include administering church discipline to those who are clearly sexually immoral, filled with anger, spite, gossip, or lie, cheat, and commit adultery. God’s will often require His servants to do tough work (2 Timothy 2:1-7).
 
Pray: My Lord and my God, strengthen me for the battles of life. Enable me to see You in the midst of everything I face. 

This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

Perceive: David and his entourage arrive at Mahanaim. Mahanaim is where Ish-bosheth was crowned king (2 Samuel 2:8-9), and centuries earlier, it is where Jacob saw the army of angels God sent to protect him (Genesis 32:1-2). This time, it is a place where more good friends of David provide very much needed supplies, which include beds for rest, food for the people, and food for the herds of animals. No doubt the trek through the wilderness made them all hungry, weary, and thirsty. Back in Jerusalem, Absalom places Amasa as head of the army of Israel. He is Joab’s cousin (1 Chronicles 2:16-17), and David’s nephew. On the march, the king and his new army set up camp in Gilead. The stage is set for the final conflict.
 
Practice: In a scene much like the US civil war, we find family members pitted against each other in this fight for life. It is a sad day when a son, an uncle or cousin raises a weapon, and intentionally seeks an opportunity to kill a blood relative. No doubt David felt his situation was horrific. What a blessing it must have been to look up and see three of his friends bringing a massive amount of desperately needed supplies. When was the last time you expended some resources for a brother or sister in dire need?
 
Pray: Great and mighty God, enable me always to watch for others who need help and to allow Your will and influence to show me where to look and act as a generous servant.​

This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

Perceive: Hushai immediately exercises the spy network that David had put in place by sharing his advice. The two runners are dispatched with a critical message to keep moving. If Absalom changed his mind and took Ahithophel’s advice, the situation would be disastrous.  No doubt with tensions high and the new kingdom just getting established, anyone seen leaving the city would be suspicious. A young man eager to gain points with the new king, tells Absalom and he sends guards to find them. Finding refuge in a well, they wait until the situation is clear and then report all Hushai’s intelligence to David. David acts on the info and immediately crosses the Jordan. Meanwhile, Ahithophel recognizes Absalom would be defeated, so rather than face the consequences for his treason, he kills himself.
 
Practice: Throughout the history of King David, we see God working in the complexities of life including conspiracies, revolutions, and betrayals. It is a strange and marvelous attribute of God that He uses everything to accomplish His will. He can influence the mind of any person or change the heart of someone evil. There is a fine line between the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man. It is a marvelous mystery. How are you allowing Him to influence your mind, will, and emotions?
 
Pray: Heavenly Father, heal me of my wounds, help me in my distress, and fill me with Your inward abiding presence. I know You are at work in all the complexities of my life. ​

This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

Perceive: Apparently, Hushai was not in the room when Ahithophel gave his sound advice. After being called into the new king’s presence, Hushai is quick to think on his feet and gives Absalom a plan of action that appeals to the young man’s ego while giving David and his men time to rest. First, he rebuts Ahithophel’s counsel. Then he reminds them all that David was a great tactician, a mighty warrior, and fearless. His men were all seasoned combat veterans, ready to attack enemies and defend David. It would be better for the new king to assemble a new large army and lead it himself. No doubt Absalom visualized the military might and his great victory. Fortunately, God was in the business of hearing prayers and answering them according to His will. The council accepted Hushai’s plan as their best option.
 
Practice:  Pride is the downfall of many individuals. Absalom’s life wreaked of pride. He had fifty men run before his horse driven chariot and he boasted of being a better judge than anyone else. He was handsome from head to toe. Hushai knew this and gave him advice that flattered his vanity. Solomon would later write, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” If Satan were to look at your life, what areas of pride would he flatter?
 
Pray: O Lord, my God, help me see myself as You see me. If You need to humble me, please be gentle and apply Your corrections in small increments. Help me stay in Your word and sense Your presence in my life. ​

This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

Perceive: Psalm 3 was a morning song. Psalm 4 is an evening song. Both psalms tend to deal with similar situations in David’s life. David is in distress over his foes who are numerous (1, 6). He wants a correct mind, will, and emotions when he lays down at night (4, 8). The overall psalm contains four sections. The first section is his supplication (1, 6). The second section describes his shame, concerns about his reputation, and his desire for God’s protection (2-3). The third section describes his exhortations. In your anger do not sin (4). Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord (5). The fourth section describes his faith in God who enables him to have joy and peace (7).
 
Practice:  It is easy to contemplate the bad things of a day at the end of an evening. When we focus on the negative, we often forget the positive which includes His Spirit filling us with joy and happiness. Happiness is sometimes an elusive thing to grasp but not thankfulness. In counseling circles, people are encouraged to write down four to five different things daily that make them feel thankful. Even during his struggles, David identifies actions taken and attributes revealed of the Lord his God. Take a few minutes to consider how God worked in your life today, write them down, and give Him thanksgiving. We have much to be thankful for.
 
Pray: Awesome God, You have done so much in my life. Thank You for Your grace and mercy. Thank You for touching my life. Thank You for filling me with Your presence.​

This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

Perceive: Having established himself as the king by taking over the royal residence, Absalom turns his focus to making sure his father and his followers would never return and take back the kingdom. Having fed his flesh, he now feeds his thirst for blood by seeking, finding, and then killing his father. So, he turns to his counselors for help. Knowing that David and his men were skilled and seasoned combat veterans, Ahithophel gives advice that would maximize the potential for a military victory. There were three parts to his plan. Part one – deploy an overwhelming show of force using twelve thousand troops. Part two – seek this opportunity while there is an element of surprise. Part three – once the people scatter, kill King David. The survivors would be led back to Jerusalem. It was a good plan that pleased Absalom and all the elders.
 
Practice: Plans are good when you base them on a solid understanding of Scripture and when they achieve a godly purpose. Humanly speaking, if Absalom followed Ahithophel’s plan, the life and reign of his father were over. It is a good plan to have an abundance of counselors, but those counselors need to have a biblical basis and godly motives for their advice. Paul writes, “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
 
Pray: O Lord, You are the greatest friend a man can have. Help me to see those brothers who are my true friends who have godly character. Help us to become better men who serve You. ​

This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com