When Your World Falls Apart

Scripture Based on 2 Samuel 15:13–16:14

“But if he says, ‘I am not pleased with you,’ 

then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him.”

 2 Samuel 15:26

When David heard the devastating news that “the hearts of the people of Israel are with Absalom,” his world shattered. His own son had risen against him. He fled Jerusalem in heartbreak—barefoot, weeping, covered in dust, humiliated and hunted. Betrayal stung. Friends like Mephibosheth appeared to turn away, and enemies like Shimei cursed him loudly and publicly. Still, David did not retaliate. He wept, prayed, and entrusted himself to God.

David’s words in verse 26 are astonishing in their surrender: “Let [the Lord] do to me whatever seems good to him.” This is not despair, but radical trust. Like Job who cried, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” (Job 13:15), David models a faith that submits even in suffering.

Though he felt forsaken, David was not alone. God raised up unexpected encouragers—faithful Ittai, Zadok the priest, Hushai the strategist, and even Ziba with provisions. Each one stood with David in his weakness, reminding us that God never leaves His children without help.

Dallas Willard writes, “The main thing God gets out of your life is the person you become.” In the crucible of betrayal, loss, and fatigue, David became a man wholly dependent on God. In his exhaustion, “he refreshed himself” (2 Sam. 16:14)—not in comfort or control, but in quiet trust.

Reflection:

When you feel attacked, abandoned, or exhausted, how do you respond? Do you cling to control—or surrender to the One who works all things for good?

Prayer:

Lord, when my world collapses and I feel betrayed or broken, give me the grace to respond like David—with humility, trust, and surrender. Help me rest in Your sovereignty, and find refreshment in Your presence. Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

A Father’s Ache and a Son’s Betrayal

Reflection on 2 Samuel 14:1–15:12

King David was no stranger to sorrow. Among the most piercing wounds of his life was the heartbreak caused by his son Absalom—a tragedy that unfolded not only in the palace but deep within the king’s soul.

David’s longing for Absalom was tender and raw: “Joab son of Zeruiah knew that the king’s heart longed for Absalom” (2 Samuel 14:1). Despite Absalom’s earlier murder of his half-brother Amnon, David still loved him. Eventually, David allowed his return to Jerusalem. But Absalom’s heart remained far from reconciliation. While he was admired for his outward beauty—“from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish” (14:25)—his inner life was hollowed by pride and ambition.

Instead of receiving his father’s mercy with humility, Absalom manipulated perception, stationed himself at the city gates, and subtly undermined David’s leadership. He flattered the people, planting seeds of dissatisfaction and portraying himself as the true guardian of justice. “So Absalom stole the hearts of the people of Israel” (15:6).

Disloyalty rarely starts with dramatic rebellion—it begins quietly, in the shadows of unchecked desire and wounded pride. What we see in Absalom is not just a son’s betrayal of a father, but a warning for our own hearts. Are we cultivating loyalty in quiet places—when no one is watching, when it’s inconvenient, when correction must be spoken in love?

David’s lament is captured in the Psalms that may well reflect this season of sorrow:

“O Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!” (Psalm 3:1)

“Even my close friend, someone I trusted… has turned against me.” (Psalm 41:9)

“I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping.” (Psalm 6:6)

Yet in the pain of betrayal, David clung to God:

“But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.” (Psalm 3:3)

“I trust in you, Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hands.” (Psalm 31:14–15)

David’s tears became prayers. His sorrow, a song. And in doing so, he teaches us this: when relationships unravel, and loyalty is shattered, we can turn to the God who never betrays.

Absalom reminds us that appearance is not character. Loyalty is forged not in words or charm, but in sacrificial love, courageous truth, and faithfulness that endures. May we guard our hearts, walk in integrity, and reflect the loyal heart of our Heavenly King.

Prayer:

Lord, teach me to be loyal—not just in words, but in action and motive. Help me to honor those You’ve placed in my life. Shape my heart to reflect Yours: steadfast, faithful, and true. Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Broken Hearted

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and 

Saves those who are crushed in spirit. 

Psalm 34:18

Time has a way of freezing in on us when we hear of the death of a loved one. The shock shakes our family and friends as thoughts and feelings slowly start to sink into our hearts and minds that we will never see them again. When we are broken hearted we get a feeling that God is so far away and does not care. We feel all of sudden all alone. We sense we have been suddenly separated from our beloved who was a source of great comfort and strength. 

All the things we used to do with them, we can’t do them anymore. We know for sure that a source of love, joy and peace for our lives has been shut down forever. We also sometimes come under this dark cloud mixed with excruciating pain, choking anger and unsettling confusion. We feel that our loved one was abruptly snatched away from us. We say to ourselves, “Life is not fair! I am feeling so alone. I will never ever see him/her again.” It is at these moments of grief and loss that Jesus assures us that he is closest to us.

You are not alone; remember God is with you. Your beloved is with God; let us continue to abide in him. A thousand years in God’s sight is like an an evening in His eyes (Psalm 90:4). Let us bring those precious memories with our loved one to God in prayer and thank and praise for the times of joy and love we enjoyed with them. We thank God for that he is an omniscient God who sees us in our pain and will pour out his love to comfort us in our loss. Our lives are so short, let us use the time we have sensibly and for the glory of God.

You are not alone remember Jesus is always near. He assures us that if we seek him in thought, word and deed, he will draw near and comfort us. Let us cry out and say, “Oh come, Oh come Emmanuel!” He will come, walk with us, talk to us and assure us that we are not alone. He will continue to transform us and shape us to be instruments of love and mercy. He will assure us that he has overcome death. Are we not all joined together in him? One day we will all be together again at Jesus feet. Let us continue to abide with Christ our Lord and Savior.

You are not alone remember the Holy Spirit assures us that he is in us and empowers us to do all we have to do. He comforts us and enables us to go on because of that promise that one day we will see our beloved again. God has planted eternity in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11). We can never be completely content with all of earths bounty. We ourselves, along with the earth and all of creation will one day be set free from our bondage to death and decay. Yet God in his infinite wisdom created us in his image and planted in us a desire to know him and be known by him. Today we live under the shadow of his wings, but one day we shall all see him face to face. Let us live faithfully doing his will and hope for the day when everything will be be made new again (Revelation 21:1).

You are not alone, remember the church the Body of Christ (Church community) is with you. They will support you and comfort you through your grief. Look for springs of hope and friendship. Reach out to your friends in church, or join a small group where you can make new friends. Join one of the ministry teams that reach out to the lost, hungry or homeless. Step out of your home and find a friend or neighbor you can go for a walk in the park. Let the sunshine of God’s miraculous love stream back into your life through veins of new relationships of love causing your weakening heart to start to beat back to life again.

Let us never forget that God is our Father and Creator. God loves us and has a plan for all of us. Jesus came to heal the broken hearted and today if you open your heart to him he will bind you with his love. The Holy Spirit is within us and comforts us when we are crushed in spirit. He will guide us all our lives till we meet again at Jesus feet.

Prayer :- In life, in death, oh Lord abide with me. Amen

Sorrow Joy Becomes

“Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.”

‭‭John‬ ‭16:20‬ 

Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.

‭‭John‬ ‭16:22‬ 

As servants of God…we are sorrowful but always rejoicing. That’s the way life is. It maybe dark now but light is coming very soon. Jesus assures us (John 16:20) that our sorrow shall be turned into joy. When we enter the homes of Christians we are often fascinated by the Christian art they display on their walls and display cases. Most often it is a cross in some form we see. The cross is one keepsake we turn to in times of brokenness, conflict and loss. We turn to the cross as our thoughts turn to the inner sanctum of our hearts where the presence or strength of Christ in us dwells, in whom our restless lives find quiet rest as we say a short prayer for strength. It is often in those moments we are surprised by joy with a comforting or empowering word that lifts our spirits.

The period of Lent for us, has been an inward journey of prayer and reflection. We remembered how low our world sank to crucify our Messiah and King. A time we sacrificed some of our luxuries and distractions as we to drew near to the passion of Christ. The last week of lent is the most enduring as we read the gospels and gained fresh insight into the sacrifices Christ made on our behalf.

As Easter approaches some of us may be in the darkness of a crisis. Some others may be under the shadow of the death of a dearly loved one. There are others who are in the midst of persecution, civil unrest, terrorist attacks, torn by conflicts, facing homelessness, fighting human trafficking, the list is endless; what good is rejoicing at Easter when there is so much of evil all around us? Do we see them as the broken body of Christ? Do we see the face of the suffering Christ in them?

Today I am reminded of the poem “Surprised by Joy” written by William Wordsworth two years after the loss of his four-year-old daughter. His Spiritual barrenness for her is as fresh as the day she died. He cries out, “How could I forget thee?” Wordsworth portrays the coexistence of joy and sorrow as he titled his poem “Surprised by Joy.” I am fascinated by this poem as it is a lament beautifully written that expresses grief and loss. If we live in our own shadows, common sense says that we will never see the light. Yet the combination of the Title and the lament, Wordsworth beautifully describes to us as a cryptic message of being sorrowful yet rejoicing (2 Corinthians 6:10). For Wordsworth the joy that surprised him is the steadfast love of God that fills him with the hope that he will see the heavenly face of his daughter again(2 Corinthians 4:17).

Surprised by joy – impatient as the Wind
I turned to share the transport – Oh! with whom
But Thee, deep buried in the silent tomb,
That spot which no vicissitude can find?
Love, faithful love, recalled thee to my mind

But how could I forget thee? Through what power,
Even for the least division of an hour,
Have I been so beguiled as to be blind
To my most grievous loss? – That thought’s return
Was the worst pang that sorrow ever bore,
Save one, one only, when I stood forlorn,
Knowing my heart’s best treasure was no more

That neither present time, nor years unborn 

Could to my sight that heavenly face restore. 

For those who are presently blessed abundantly spiritually and materially by the grace of God, we set out on an outward journey to reach out to those who are suffering and in harms way. To those of us who are strong in Christ, we are called to be a source of support and instill hope to those who mourn. 

Let us keep them in our prayers and remind them by the grace of God we are all alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:5). Let us never forget in Christ we have all been richly blessed with eternal life (John 11:25). We reflect on the agony and suffering of Jesus through lent, but rejoice as Easter comes upon us. The resurrection of Christ brings us much joy, so will we on the final day rejoice with our Lord and Savior (John 14:1-4).

Prayer:- Lord Jesus as our period of Lent comes to an end, we thank you for being with us through this journey. Instill in us a deep sense of remembrance of your broken body for us. By your death we have all become a part of your body.Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Spiritual Abandonment

My God, my God, why have you deserted me?

“Then about that time Jesus shouted, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” 

which means, “My God, my God, why have you deserted me?”

 ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭27:46‬ ‭CEV‬‬

There have been a few times in my life when I have witnessed the time when a person was informed of the death of a loved one. The heart rending cry that shocks the day lights out of those standing around is quite upsetting. Psalm 22 was a very special Psalm of David as it was also used by Jesus as a lament as He hung on the cross. It may have been written while David was being pursued by Saul or one of the enemies of the Nation of Israel? Today it is considered by many as a prophetic messianic masterpiece by David. The Psalm sets the mood of Jesus as He hung on the cross. We walk through a sense being wrapped up in darkness as the psalmist goes through a path of intense torment and test. Does God allow us to suffer even when we trust in Him? Christ’s cry from the cross is also a reminder to us, that even when we go through trials and dilemmas it is alright to call out to God. It is acceptable to question God for why we are in that particular predicament or sunk so low. 

 

The astounding parallel to David’s Psalm and Jesus’ trials in the gospels is certainly a prophetic revelation of God’s truth being fulfilled. David says in verse 7 of the Psalm 22 that all who look at him mock him. The soldiers stripped off Jesus’ clothes and put a scarlet robe on Him (Mathew 27:27-31). Then they made a crown of thorns and put it on his head and mocked him, screaming, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Then they beat Him and spat on Him. Further in Mathew 27:39 it says all those who passed by Jesus on the cross hurled insults at him and shook their heads in mockery.

David says in verse 8 of Psalm 22 that His persecutors mocked Him saying, “He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him.” This is precisely what some of the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, “He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.”

David says in verse 16 of Psalm 22, “The assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.” It was a helplessness that David senses that prophetically Jesus felt as He was crucified on the cross (Mathew 27:35). David says in verse 18 of Psalm 22, “They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.” This is the scripture that Mathew quoted as he wrote, “They parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.(Mathew 27:35)”

There are many who would like to believe that when Jesus bore the sins of the world, His relationship with God that was formed way before the beginning of creation was severed or plunged into spiritual darkness. It was a point of crisis where Jesus was groping in darkness and was left with a sense of spiritual abandonment. It was not just spiritual darkness but also at noon to three o’ clock the whole land was plunged into darkness. It was then that Jesus screamed, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” That is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? If this is the way God willed Christ to die for us, God truly must have loved us greatly to allow this to happen to Christ. So also, Christ’s love for us is also greatly expressed by what he suffered on the cross for all of us.

Did Christ really think that God would abandon him (John 16:32)? Christ had warned his disciples of the impending betrayal and death. (Luke 18:31; cf. John 12:27). A change in the mood is seen from verse 22 onwards, where the Psalmist is comforted that God has heard his prayer. A prayer of thanks and praise for the experience of the presence of God. Rather than wallow in self pity He finds comfort in God’s presence that has never failed him in his time of need. A strong relationship on God is built not by being lost in the present situation but trusting in God’s past provision and hope in his abounding mercy and grace. This is a Psalm that calls us to live true to our calling with God. Whatever may be the trials we face God is asking us to endure the suffering and be strong in times of adversity. It is raising ones line of vision from present trial to the peace we have with God. It is finding comfort in the midst of tribulation.

Naomi

The story of Naomi in the Book of Ruth, happens when the Judges were ruling over Israel. There was a lot of unrest in the land. People had forgotten the living God and strayed away to worship idols. As the book describes, it was a time when they did whatever they felt like doing. 

 Naomi’s family left Canaan with the hope to find a better life in Moab. From one angle it was an act of abandonment of God and His people. They were driven by their need to find food and shelter because of a famine. They had heard that Moab was a rich nation. Moving away from Canaan shows a lack of faith in God’s promise to His people that was their land flowing with milk and honey. Their sons marriage to Moabite women shows a dilution of the faith of the family with other idol worshippers. 

Naomi suffered with sores in her heart and mind. She went through similar sufferings as Job went through. In the middle of her tragic life she allowed the emptiness to fester into a bitterness that was slowly destroying her. She said she left Canaan with her whole family. But when her husband and two sons died in Moab, she is bitter, empty and hopeless. Why has this catastrophe happened to her? 

Naomi’s turning point comes when she humbles herself before God and her two daughter-in-laws Ruth and Orpah. She begs them to leave her and return to their homes in Moab. But one of them, Ruth stays on with her and is a source of great strength for her through out her life. 

“But Ruth replied, 

“Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. 

Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. 

Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”

‭‭Ruth‬ ‭1:16‬ ‭

Her return to Canaan was an act of returning home to her promised land and her people. In a way can it be viewed as the return of a prodigal daughter, relying on the grace of God and her people to provide for her needs? Here was Naomi so discouraged with life yet she comes to a point in her life where she decides to endure through and remains faithful to God. Would she have ever envisioned Ruth’s descendent would be King David and then even further down to our Savior of the world, Jesus?

 When we go through experiences that leaves us hopeless and helpless how do we react? Are we confident that God will work it out for us if we pray? Do we find peace with God? Jesus told his disciples at the Last Supper (John 16:23), “In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." We realize that even when Christ was on earth He went through many trials but overcame them by the power of God the Father who was within Him. When confronted with the most difficult of circumstances I find confidence through reading the Word and the love of God the Father and His son Jesus Christ. I find strength in the Holy Spirit who helps me to pray and find fellowship with other believers. 

Jesus loves me this I know 

For the Bible tells me so 

Where ever I may go 

Jesus loves me so 

 Jesus loves me this I know 

For the Christians tell me so 

Even when I am poor and low 

Jesus loves me so

Broken Spirit

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. (Psalm 51:17) 

 Today there are millions of people who have no healthcare and are living in abject poverty. They don’t know where their next meal will come from. They are abused and live in lands torn by famine, war, disease, disasters, and debt. More than 100 million children go without primary education and are still subject to child labor. Let us pray that world organizations such as UN, UNICEF, World Vision, World Relief, Tear Fund, and others may carry out their mission for the downtrodden. Let us pray for the downtrodden that they might find the right people, resources, and above all meet Christ who makes us whole. Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

1. Forgive us when we forget your people 

Wander in wicked ways 

Lord teach us to be charitable 

Pray for the downtrodden every day 

 Jesu it is your face we seek 

Heal your children today 

 2.Those with minds double 

And the proud you cast away 

You give grace to the humble 

So your scriptures say 

 Jesu it is your face we seek 

Heal your children today 

 3.There are many who tremble 

When they encounter disease, disaster and debt on their way 

Make them strong and gentle 

As their hearts yearn for you always 

 Jesu it is your face we seek 

Heal your children today 

 4. Our passions and pleasures make us stumble 

Malice, envy, and hatred draw us away 

Renew us to be faithful and peaceful 

Fill our hearts with compassion we pray 

 Jesu it is your face we seek 

Heal your children today 

 5. Laws make us quarrel 

Foolish controversies hold us in sway 

Devote our hearts to the poor and feeble 

Renew us with your Holy Spirit each day 

 Jesu it is your face we seek 

Heal your children today 

 6. Lord have mercy on us as we struggle 

It is our broken spirit we display 

We come to you like cripples 

Make us whole we pray 

 Jesu it is your face we seek 

Heal your children today

Sometimes of Spiritual Darkness

(Inspired by the works of St. John of the Cross) 

 1.     Sometimes in our spiritual walk 

         Our thoughts are filled with remorse 

         Lose all pleasure 

         In all those things we treasure 

         Beloved on simple things dote 

         Our hearts fill with divine hope 

 2.     Sometimes in our walk 

         Burdened with guilt of impure heart 

         Fear of evil temptations 

         We begin our spiritual oscillations 

         Make us pure from all that’s wicked 

         White as snow and uncorrupted 

 3.      Sometimes in our walk 

         Overcome with spiritual wrath 

         Like a little child 

         Whose toy has been denied 

         Instill in us spiritual tolerance 

         Grant us divine patience 

 4.     Sometimes in our spiritual walk 

         We forget what we have been taught 

        Look down with spiritual pride 

         On all those people we deride 

         To be gentle and humble 

         Faithful to God and all His people 

 5.      Sometimes in our walk 

         Lost in written works 

        Loss of all feelings 

         In all of our dealings 

         Not on written works and bitter discord 

         Our minds enlighten with understanding dear Lord 

 6.     Sometimes in our walk 

         We ignore all our faults 

        Indulge in spiritual gluttony 

         Prayers, penance and acts of chastity 

         Your strong words employ 

         Fill our hearts with peace and joy 

 7.     Sometimes in our walk 

         We are overcome with spiritual sloth 

        Feed off others praise 

         Our egos on a pedestal raise 

         Wash our hearts so full of dross 

         Our spiritual eye see sacrificial love on the cross 

 8.     Sometimes in our spiritual walk 

         The path is pitch dark 

        Away from the path we wander 

         We cry out loud “Heavenly Father” 

         On His chest are we comforted 

         As He leads us home our loving Shepherd