Distress, Debt, and Discontent

There is no doubt these are troublesome times in our nation and world. There are a hand full of issues that dominate our news channels; war, economy, national debt, and health care. There is barely a night that news of new job losses does not show up somewhere in the nightly conversation. Property values are low and continue to drop. Distrust for are local and national leaders concerning policy decisions continues to grow. There is great unrest and uncertainty among the people.

At this point in time we are looking for a leader to guide us out of these troubled times. We are looking for someone that will tell the truth, make tough decisions, and make the right decisions. Many people in are nation thought that leader was President Barak Obama. He campaigned on the message of Hope and Change. It was an exciting time full of hope and promise. However, soon after he was sworn into office his tune of hope and change turned to point and blame. On more than one occasion he or someone in his administration has said they underestimated the challenges they faced in the economy. Many who were hopeful in November are feeling hopeless in October.

Our story is not much different from that of the ancient Israelites of King David's time. 1 Samuel 22:2 states, "All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him." This verse speaks of David's warriors prior to his installation as king of Israel. These men had felt the pain and loss that came as the result of corruption and weak leadership. They gathered to the prophesied king David while he was in the wilderness seeking to avoid the deadly sword of King Saul.

These men took a chance by gathering around David. If the prophecy of David's kingship was not true they would have suffered certain death once they had been found by King Saul. Nevertheless, they took their lives and ultimately placed it in the hope of God's word-The Prophecy that David would be king. Perhaps they figured that they had nothing to lose. After all, they were already in distress, debt, and full of discontent. I'd imagine that for some this was there last hope. If death were to come to them so be it.

If you continue to follow David's story you find that these men would become the mighty men of valor. These men by there choice to trust the word of God would become men of legend. Not only would they live to see David crowned as king, they would also live to see there own lives transformed. These men were close to the king and as a result reaped the rewards. They gained position in the kingdom, were respected by the people, and feared by their enemies. It was good to know the king.

The story of David and his mighty men is actually a picture of Christ and His Kingdom. Christ is the prophesied King of all the earth. Although we have yet to see this come to full fruition, we have the word of God that declares it so. If you are anything like me you are discontent, in debt, and distressed. Maybe you are depressed, demoralized, and disgusted. No matter what your state the declaration of the true King has been made and now is the time to gather to Him.

What do you have to lose? Maybe like the people of Israel you placed your hope in Saul (President Obama/government). Saul was a man that had the look of a great leader. He was tall- a man of stature (much like our president). Much like our President he had a magnificent start. He conquered Israel's enemies and his legend was growing. However, somewhere along the way he could no longer deliver the leadership the people needed (President Obama is early on in his Presidency and I don't want to make a comment on his effectiveness or lack thereof so early). As a result, the nation of Israel suffered. This would open the door to the king-a man after God's own heart.

The door is wide open now for us to seek the King of Kings and the Lord of Lord's. His heart is toward the people and he knows exactly what we need. Now is the time to gather around Him with all we are. Rest assured, it will be risky. Following Christ the King has never been a safe move. He promises that his followers will be persecuted, that they will have trials, that they will suffer. Don't let this deter you. The mighty men suffered many setbacks as well. Hold on to the hope of the coming Kingdom. If you do so, you will conquer life's challenges and most importantly be close to the King.

It is my hope that our nation will in fact turn to God and gather around him during this time. It is my hope that this would not be a bread and loaves crowd (meaning people that are only present because they are looking for the handouts). It is my hope that we will truly seek him with all are heart and in doing so find something more precious than gold. Believe the word of the Lord, Christ kingdom is coming and nothing can stop it. Gather to him so that you may put aside your distress, debt, and discontent. May God make you a mighty man or woman of valor.