Retreat Isn't Always Defeat — A Compilation of Messages
This is a compilation of excerpts from message shared over a period of a couple years. I pray the thought and principles will encourage and equip you for your battles in the days ahead.
David forgave him and longed for reconciliation but Absalom couldn't find any room in his heart to forgive his father. Self-centered living not only destroys the person living in it—but it puts everyone around them in danger.
David, on the other hand, recognized that his son lacked wisdom and understanding... therefore, he knew Absalom would show no mercy or compassion upon the people or the great city of Jerusalem.
I encourage you to read Psalm 3 and 2 Samuel 15 through 19... and ask the Lord to help you understand that there will be times when retreating doesn't mean a defeat. David's retreat was not a defeat, because the king knew, if God showed him favor, he would come back to the city and see the ark of the covenant again. He also knew if he stayed and fought with his son, Absalom would destroy the city and kill many innocent people. He could forgive Absalom but he couldn't trust him to make wise decisions.
Sometimes God leads us to take a stand against a thing, and at other times He leads us to retreat. Either way, it takes swallowing our pride, trusting His leadership and running toward or away from those we can or cannot reconcile with. I have a little saying I like to use in my own journey, as it relates to this psalm and the events going on in King David's life. Retreat is not always defeat, especially, when it's Jesus I retreat to meet!
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