Wake up and smell the coffee

Joab had to stand up to David as his mourning for Absalom affected the whole army

2 Samuel 18.1-19.8

Reference: v. 6 You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead.

Explore: David's men had gone into a difficult battle against Absalom and when they had defeated the army and returned home, David was more sorrowful for his dead mutinous son than for his whole army that had fought in honor of his name. Joab must have been furious with David as his emotions impacted the whole army. He could have rebelled against David and taken the whole army with him, but instead he told David to wake up and smell the coffee. He was brave enough to stand up to David, to help him notice the negative impact he was having on all his supporters and to tell him what he needed to do to change the situation.

Application: Sometimes we all need a big kick up the backside. We may be wallowing in our own self pity or on a destructive path. It takes a very brave friend to tell us to pull our finger out and start thinking of other people our self-destructive path may be affecting.
If we notice someone in that position then it is a responsibility to put a mirror up to them and help them see what is happening. It's easier to talk to their other friends about them and even start whinging ourselves however we need to be like Joab in this situation: firm, confronting with assistance of a solution.

Prayer: Lord, so often it's easier just to complain about someone else than to confront and assist them. Help me to have thicker skin by standing up for what I see as right and just. Amen.

2 Samuel