And a messenger came to David, saying, “The hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom.” Then David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, “Arise, and let us flee, or else there will be no escape for us from Absalom. Go quickly, lest he overtake us quickly and bring down ruin on us and strike the city with the edge of the sword.” (II Samuel 15:13,14 ESV)
Poker
The Guru of Poker, Kenny Rogers, instructs players: “You've got to know when to hold 'em;
Know when to fold 'em; Know when to walk away; And know when to run!”
David knew when to run.
It might not seem courageous, but he was protecting the lives of the residents of Jerusalem.
It might not seem faithful, but he was trusting that God would keep his promises.
It might not seem kingly, but perhaps he was remembering his failure with Bathsheba, and seeing the effects of his sin.
It might not be what we WANTED David to do…
But it was time.
So what about us? Remember that winning or losing is not the main thing… living in loving submission to our Sovereign God is.
Remember that God keeps His promises, even when it doesn’t seem like it.
Remember that sometimes waiting (which is what David really was doing here) is sometimes exactly what God wants from us.