Monday, February 3, 2025
TODAY’S BIBLE READING
2 Samuel 16:5–12
MEMORY VERSE
“If the Lord has told him to curse me, who am I to stop him?”
— 2 Samuel 16:10 (NLT)
SOMETIMES, PEOPLE JUST… COME FOR YOU
You didn’t do anything to them.
You didn’t provoke them.
But somehow, they still gossip, criticize, insult, or straight-up try to tear you down.
Maybe it’s a coworker who’s always snarky.
Maybe a family member who never sees the good in you.
Or maybe someone online who just keeps throwing shade.
Now — the natural instinct is what? Clap back. Defend. Hit back harder.
But what if God’s calling you to respond… differently?
DAVID’S UNEXPECTED RESPONSE
David was having the worst day ever — on the run, betrayed by his own son, emotionally drained — when a man named Shimei starts cursing him and throwing rocks.
And David’s bodyguard? He’s ready to take Shimei’s head off.
But David says something shocking:
“Let him curse. Maybe God allowed this. Maybe God will see my pain and bless me instead.”
Whoa.
David doesn’t lash out.
He doesn’t defend his ego.
He chooses to see God’s hand even in the insult — and trust God with the outcome.
3 POWERFUL LESSONS FOR WHEN PEOPLE ATTACK YOU
1. Your response matters more than their opinion.
You can’t control how people treat you — but you can control how you react.
Every time someone tries to drag you down is a chance to rise up in integrity.
2. Sometimes God allows pressure to shape your posture.
Not every insult is random. Sometimes God uses even hard moments to:
- Humble us
- Teach us grace
- Reveal what’s still unhealed in our hearts
3. God sees the full picture — and He repays with goodness.
David didn’t fight back. He trusted that God would fight for him.
And that’s exactly what happened — God turned the situation around.
Let God be your defender. His justice is better than your reaction.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF TODAY
- Who’s been getting under your skin lately?
- What would it look like to respond with trust — instead of temper?
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, You know my heart and the struggles I face — especially when people hurt me unfairly.
Help me respond like David: with faith, calm, and trust in You.
I choose not to react in anger, but to see Your hand in every moment.
And I believe You will bring good out of even this.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
WHAT TO DO TODAY
Before you react, pause and breathe.
Ask: “God, how can I honor You with my response?”
Text someone who’s been frustrating you — with kindness.
Pray for someone who hurt you — even if it’s hard.
TRUTH TO HOLD ON TO
You can’t control what others say — but you can control what you sow.
And when you sow peace, God brings the harvest.
