THURSDAY 20 October, 2016
The Striving of People
You have also delivered me from the strivings of my people; You have kept me as the head of the nations. A people I have not known shall serve me. The foreigners submit to me; as soon as they hear, they obey me.The foreigners fade away, and come frightenedfrom their hideouts. - 2 Samuel 22:44-46
Notice again, how David gave all the credit to God for retaining his position as the King of Israel, despite all the strife about him. David had his fair share of strife within his family and his kingdom; even strife from the surrounding nations who were constantly at war with him. During all the tumult, David never lost his throne––his enemies were conquered and were made to be subservient.
Imagine, how many homes and families suffer because of constant strife? Whether it is between a husband and wife, their children, extended family members or even neighbors; strife is very damaging and stressful. What can cause strife in the home?
Proverbs 25:24 explains the results of strife caused by a wife: Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. Proverbs 26:21describes the strife caused by a man: As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
Disobedient children who act foolishly can bring strife: … a foolish son is the grief of his mother (Proverbs 10:1); …and the father of a fool has no joy (Proverbs 17:21).
Imagine, sitting down for dinner with your family, where there is no love between anybody. Proverbs 15:17 tells us: Better is a dinner of herbswhere love is, than a fatted calf with hatred. Proverbs 17:1 also says: Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife. What is the atmosphere of your home; is there strife?
The beginning of strife is like releasing water;
therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.
~Proverbs 17:14~
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