Compassionate Love: Displaying compassion for those who struggle with mental illness, addiction, or abuse Nancy Virden (c)2013
David was a king of ancient times. He lived through great suffering, was subject to murderous threats, and loved the God of the Hebrews, the great I AM as recorded by Moses.
He wrote many of the Biblical Psalms, and may have authored the following from Psalm 119. “Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my distress, that your promise gives me life.” (verses 49, 50)
At first, she was so small that many believed her insignificant. Any moment she might be stomped, eaten, or drowned in torrential rain. She survived her earliest days, yet the challenges continued.
Driven by a natural wish for independence, she ventured out from what little security she knew. Reactions varied. “Ugly!” “Cute!” “Avoid that! ” “Soft and fuzzy!”
She was wary as people ran screaming at the sight of her or dangerously studied her with curiosity. She tried to blend in to her surroundings, hoping to hide in plain sight.
No one seemed to care who she would one day become.
The beginning of this parable runs a close parallel to David’s early life. He was a mere shepherd boy when first chosen as future king. The current ruler pursued him relentlessly to kill him. David ran for his life and hid in caves.
No longer willing to live among such danger and rejection, our heroine decided to look up. Maybe higher she would find a place to rest! Climbing day after day, she searched for peace and a safe place to belong.
The endless trek nearly depleted her strength. She wondered if the promise from her Maker would come true. At last overwhelmed, she stopped trying. Wrapping herself in seclusion, she waited for the end.
David too, experienced moments of fatigue and discouragement. He wrote, “My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long?” (Psalm 6:3). Not only was he forced to flee a murderous king, David’s son also tried to kill him. People lied, spread rumors and gloated over his pain. David had his followers, however at times he felt very alone.
His consistent prayers in periods of grief and despondency were variations of the same theme: “Turn, Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.” (Psalm 6:4) In all his struggles, David put his trust in Almighty God, the difference-maker.
From the outside, no one saw anything but a dry, presumably dead leftover. Nonetheless, buried inside her despair, our champion-in-waiting put up the ultimate fight. Placing hope in God’s promise, she surrendered what little energy she had left. God taught her to use it wisely. Her woefully slow task of change was wrenching and tedious. She cried in agony.
Beyond the scope of disparaging eyes, metamorphosis took place. After a long time, she cracked the dead outer shell and peered through the sliver of light. Uncertain yet brave, she completely broke it open and saw sky. God whispered, “Trust me. Take a leap of faith.”
People rejoiced at the sight of such vibrant color showcased against the brown, withered past. A few joined her in praise to God as she stretched out new wings, and flew into freedom.
David realized suffering had brought him into profound realization of his true purpose. It had all been worth it – betrayals, living as a fugitive, and even the sorrow of losing people he loved. Nothing compared to the lessons learned as he and the Great I AM wretsled with his human pain.
David went on to fulfill his destiny as a great king, and a man after God’s own heart. Intimacy with the promise-giver, forged in struggle, had set him free.
Today’s Helpful Word
My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. -David
******COMMENTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.
NOTE: I am not a doctor or mental health professional. I speak only from personal experiences with and observations of mental illness, abuse, and addiction. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.
If you are struggling emotionally today or feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.
If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. (for international emergency numbers, go here ), or go to your nearest emergency room. Do not be alone. Hope and help are yours.
Pics: Butterfly by WEIRDVIS , caterpillar by MICHAELAW, both of rgbstock.com