Psalm 3 Family relationships can be difficult. Even in the best parenting situations, conflict and distance can occur.

To say that Davids family relationships were difficult, however, is an understatement. Arising from a desire to be in a greater position of inheritance, Davids son, Absalom builds resentment toward his father. When a terrible atrocity is committed against Absaloms sister by their half-brother, Ammon, Absaloms resentment grew to hatred. Davids inaction in the situation contributes to Absaloms violent reaction. Absaloms hatred leads to death and the near destruction of Davids family. Yet, throughout the horrible ordeal and the suffering that ensued, David gained a greater understanding of Jehovah, God. Day One: David and his son Absalom had a tumultuous relationship like many fathers experience with their sons. The difference in this relationship, though, was Absaloms anger toward his father led him to amass an army with the intent to rid his father of the kingdom and the kingdom of his father. Heartbreaking. 1) Well start right in the middle of Davids nightmare by discovering what happened in 2 Samuel 15:13-17. What message does David receive? 2) David decides to ________________ the city. 3) David had worked to make Jerusalem a beautiful place. He did not want war to break out there. As he fled his own son, verse 18 tells how many people went with him. Take a look. Verses 19-22 describe the loyalty of a foreigner to King David. Describe the interchange between David and Ittai. 4) How did the people react to the horrible situation between David and Absalom? (v. 23) 5) Verses 24-32 show Davids total dependence on the LORD. How do his attitude, actions and emotions indicate a heart of total submission to God and His plan? 6) Verse 32 gives us a glimpse into the heart of King David. In the face of deep anguish and imminent danger, what does David do? Would you respond this way? Day Two: 1) In order to understand the progressive nature of Absaloms rage, we have to go back to the deplorable incident that took place in 2 Samuel 13:1-22. As you read the account straight through, think about your reaction if you were David, father to Tamar and Ammon. I know mind would be outrageIndignationActionSomething. Leviticus 18:11 details the Law strictly forbidding Ammons desire and his actions. Rape was punishable by death. (Lev. 18:29) Yet, according to verse 21, what did David do? 2) David did nothing. Absalom took matters into his own hands and devised a plot to get rid of Ammon. Verses 22-33 recount Absaloms plan and his murder of Ammon. Although Absalom did not kill Ammon until two years after the crime, when does verse 32 say he determined murder was the answer? 3) David was beside himself with grief. But, verses 34-38 show that his grief was directed more toward the loss of Absalom than the damage done to Tamar and the murder of Ammon. For some reason, the great king David could not rule his own family in a way that would lead them to peace and godliness. How would you characterize Davids family portrait? 4) How does reading about Davids family prompt you to pray for your own? Take the time to examine your own family portrait, looking back to generational hurts and issues. Lay all of those before God and ask Him to do a redemptive work in the lives of your family members present and future. Day Three: Today will be more of a reading day than a writing day. 1) Lets read chapters 15-17 of 2 Samuel. As you read, make a list (just phrases or short sentences) of all David endured at the hand of Absalom and as a result of his rebellion. 2) Look back over your list. What would you do in the face of

such hatred? 3) Where is God in the midst of Davids suffering? Look for Him in 17:14. Copy the sentence that shows Gods control of Davids circumstances (Gods providence). Day Four: 1) In our reading, well see tragedy reaching its peak, pride of life leading to death, and prophecy fulfilled. Before reading about the end to Absaloms terrorizing rant, lets look back to the prophecy of Nathan in 2 Samuel 12:10-12. What does Nathan tell David about the consequences of his sin against God with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah? 2) As you read chapters 18-19:18, think back over all that happened and write down the ways Nathans prophecy was fulfilled. 3) David returns to Jerusalem and to the throne; but not without great loss. All family difficulty and disputes bring loss. Thankfully, we serve a God Who has a heart for redeeming great losses. God is faithful. He keeps His promises (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Both Davids throne and family line are redeemed in one day when the glorious Baby Redeemer is born in his little town of Bethlehem. Are there any difficulties in your family that seem to huge for Jesus to redeem? Begin trusting Him for that redemption today. Write down the problem, fold up your paper and place it in your Bible at Psalm 3. Wait for glimpses of Gods redemptive work. As you see it, make a record. Youll be amazed at His faithfulness. Day Five: Today, well walk through Psalm 3, the Psalm of Davids heart when he knew that Absalom was seeking to destroy him. 1) Pay close attention to the way David moves from his problems to His praises. 2) Verse 5 is a Truth we can all seek to live out in the midst of all trouble. Work on memorizing this verse today. 3) Complete your My God is list for this Psalm and then take time to pray over your own life using the Truth of Who God is in your prayer to Him.