Blinded By Pain

My self talk heaps pity on my own head

2 Samuel 19:1-43

Reference: “Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, “Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines.” ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭19:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Explore: When I am upset and highly emotional I find it very difficult to have empathy for anyone else’s feelings. While I keep mostly to myself when I’m upset, my self talk heaps pity on my own head and consequently, leads me to have a lack of concern for others.

When we went through an issue with one of our foster children I was so upset that any time I heard of someone else’s plight I would compare it to mine. And, of course, my pain was so much greater than anyone else’s!

I really struggled to care and support anyone else due to the burden of pain I was already carrying.

Application: This happened to King David too. When his son Absalom died David was so upset he did not take into account that Absalom had conspired against him and his army had defended him.

He was blinded to his son’s rebellion as well as to his army’s sacrifice.

On the one hand I see David’s forgiving heart in his grief, but it also shows the responsibility it is when we are called into leadership. There are times when we do have to put our personal pain aside in the public eye and show the brave heart the people need.

Prayer: Lord, You understand great pain and immense grief. May we find the important balance of being true to our feelings, but also upholding the responsibility You place on our shoulders. Amen.

When have your emotions got the better of you?

2 Samuel, grief, leadership, pain, responsibility