1. Face Crises with Courage August 27

2. Think About It … What are some national crises we have seen in our lifetimes? What about personal crises you have experienced? Today we look at how David dealt with a series of crises. – we look for ways to navigate crises in ways that honor God

3. Listen for evidences that David trusted God in his crisis. 2 Samuel 15:13-14 (NIV) A messenger came and told David, "The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom." [14] Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, "Come! We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom. We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruin upon us and put the city to the sword."

4. Listen for evidences that David trusted God in his crisis. [24] Zadok was there, too, and all the Levites who were with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. They set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had finished leaving the city. [25] Then the king said to Zadok,

5. Listen for evidences that David trusted God in his crisis., "Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the Lord's eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling place again. [26] But if he says, 'I am not pleased with you,' then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him."

6. Continue to Trust God What discouraging message came to David in Jerusalem? Why did David feel it was necessary to leave the city? Note the background – ultimate result prophesied by Nathan – dysfunctional family situations – rape, murder – now an effort to usurp the throne by son Absolom – public shaming of King David’s wives (concubines)

7. Continue to Trust God Which trait do you think David showed in fleeing from the city … courage or cowardice? What did the priests do with the holy articles when David left Jerusalem? CourageCowardice

8. Continue to Trust God Why did David send the ark of the covenant back into the city? David decided to trust God in the midst of his crisis. Why is it always best to trust God in times of crisis?

9. Listen for who remained loyal to David and who betrayed him. 2 Samuel 15:30-37 (NIV) But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot. All the people with him covered their heads too and were weeping as they went up. [31] Now David had been told, "Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom." So David prayed, "O Lord, turn Ahithophel's counsel into foolishness."

10. Listen for who remained loyal to David and who betrayed him. [32] When David arrived at the summit, where people used to worship God, Hushai the Arkite was there to meet him, his robe torn and dust on his head. [33] David said to him, "If you go with me, you will be a burden to me. [34] But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, 'I will be your servant, O king; I was your father's servant in the past, but now I will be your servant,' then you can help me by frustrating

11. Listen for who remained loyal to David and who betrayed him. advice. [35] Won't the priests Zadok and Abiathar be there with you? Tell them anything you hear in the king's palace. [36] Their two sons, Ahimaaz son of Zadok and Jonathan son of Abiathar, are there with them. Send them to me with anything you hear." [37] So David's friend Hushai arrived at Jerusalem as Absalom was entering the city.

12. Don’t Isolate Yourself from Others What actions and appearance of David and the people with him demonstrated their mood? What was David’s prayer when he learned who was advising his son Absalom? What role did David assign to his friend Hushai in order to assist his cause?

13. Don’t Isolate Yourself from Others What are the usual options of how to respond when willing friends and acquaintances offer to assist in times of crisis? What is the danger of rejecting help? “I don’t want to be a bother.” We know that some people will not ask for help. What can a Sunday School class (Small Group Bible Fellowship) do to make sure we are there for our friends when they need us?

14. Listen for what Joab did to help David. 2 Samuel 19:7-8 (NIV) Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the Lord that if you don't go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come upon you from your youth till now." [8] So the king got up and took his seat in the gateway. When the men were told, "The king is sitting in the gateway," they all came before him.

15. Fulfill Your Responsibilities Background: – David’s troops defeat Absolom’s – Absolom killed in the battle – Despite regaining the throne, David grieves deeply for his dead son Why would David’s reaction be confusing and disheartening to his followers?

16. Fulfill Your Responsibilities What did Joab warn would happen if David didn’t encourage the troops? What did David do in response to Joab’s urgings? How can personal emotions get the way when dealing with a crisis? To what extent does God expect a leader to set aside his or her own emotions and work for the good of the group?

17. Application Trusting in God involves surrendering to His will – He knows your situation and will deal with it – Don’t try to take over and run things the way you want them to go – Tell God you are trusting in His power and His wisdom

18. Application This week in the midst of a crisis, you might feel the need to hit the panic button. – Don’t do it – Instead – trust God, lean on a friend, take care of your responsibilities

19. Application Maybe someone you know is dealing with a crisis – You could be the friend that helps them through the situation – Sometimes just being with them is a help

20. Face Crises with Courage August 27