LIFE IS A MYSTERY—you need to work at it, to make meaning of it.
When things changed in David's life, he ran from place to place seeking refuge—his life was cluttered.
He had won one of the greatest battles of his life, only to face a stiffer one. Saul, the reigning king, wanted him dead.
Once, he was hungry. He asked Abimelech, the priest for the holy bread. (1 Samuel 21:1-9)
Many men joined him—those who owed money, those who were in trouble and men who were unsatisfied. (1 Samuel 22:2)
David lived a life of unending struggles; sometimes, he saw it as a daring adventure.
The Narrative
IN HIS HARDSHIP, the mentor he loved died. And David moved to the desert of Maon.
A wealthy man called Nabal lived there. He was married to Abigail—a woman of good understanding and beauty. But he was harsh and arrogant in his dealings. (1 Samuel 25:1-2)
David sent ten men to him saying, "Now I hear that it is sheep-shearing time. When your shepherds were with us, we did not mistreat them, and the whole time they were at Carmel nothing of theirs was missing. Ask your own servants, and they will tell you. Therefore, be favourable toward my men, since we come at a festive time. Please give your servants and your son David whatever you can find for them." (1 Samuel 25:7-8)
Chance
THE SHEEP-SHEARING SEASON was a festive one in which people right their wrongs and were happy.
But Nabal thumbed his nose and said, "Who is David?" "Who is Jesse's son? So many servants nowadays are leaving their masters. Should I take my bread, my water, and my meat that I butchered for my shearers and give them to men coming from who knows where?" (1 Samuel 25:10-11)
Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense. (Proverbs 15:21)
Nabal found it challenging to see the good in other people. All he saw in them were destitutes looking for what they did not deserve.
How do you see people? The way you see them will influence the way you treat them.
Nabal had the chance to do something right, but he blew it. And his words provoked David.
Proverbs 15:1 says, "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
David told his men to arm themselves. They left for Nabal's dwelling.
Choice
ONE OF THE SERVANTS who overheard the discussion spoke to Abigail. He told her to do something.
The changing times required a paradigm shift—one with quick intervention.
Abigail understood that whatever choice you make in life makes you. She knew that life can be understood by looking backwards but lived by moving forward.
She took some food supplies and loaded them on donkeys. She told her servants to go ahead. (1 Samuel 25:18-19)
Abigail took her destiny in her hands. She took ownership of her husband's error and asked for forgiveness. (1 Samuel 25:24)
Forgiveness is a means of refuge
She told David that her husband was like his name, a Godless fool.
Abigail knew that he was fighting the Lord's battle. (1 Samuel 25:28) So, she offered her gifts and asked that David will remember her when he succeeds.
Change
PEOPLE SAY THAT HAPPINESS depends on happenings, but Abigail understood differently. Like her, do not put your happiness in someone's hands.
Her soft words changed David's mind. He accepted her gifts and forgave her.
The essence of life meant much to her. It was essential for her to love her fellow man.
BRINGING IT TOGETHER
ABIGAIL KNEW she could live beyond what she's capable of. She went on a passionate plea seeking forgiveness.
She understood that Nabal was part of her story, but not her destiny. Wisdom triumphed over folly.
To unclutter your life, you must choose wisdom.