Transformed – teen devotion – February 21, 2021

Then the king [David] said to Zadok, “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. 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 15:25-26

Squad problems: Drama queens

The Question: Some of my friends do things for attention all of the time. It’s really annoying. How should I deal with them?

Remember David? He was that famous king of Israel who killed Goliath with a stone and slingshot. God blessed King David with many long years of prosperity and peace.

There was someone in David’s life who wanted all the attention—David’s son, Absalom. Absalom would sit at the gate of the city, listen to people’s problems and say, “If I were king, things would be different.” Absalom wanted the attention. He wanted to be loved by everyone. He wanted to be king. And it worked! Absalom was able to turn the country against David.

David, his whole family, and the people who were faithful to David had to pack their things and run for their lives. Some priests brought the ark of God with David. They knew that where the ark is, God is. So, if the ark was with David, God would be with David and will bless him. But what did David say? “Take the ark back.”

What’s the lesson for us? David knew and trusted that God is fully in control of everything that is happening. If God wanted Absalom to be king, he would be king. If God wanted David to be king, David would be king.

Yes, our friends can grab the spotlight, and that can be frustrating especially if it comes at our expense. Take a deep breath. God knows what is happening. If God allows your friend to have that attention, it is for a reason. If God wants you to have more attention, you’ll get it. There is no need to stress over something that God is in complete control of. This truth also comes with a promise. God works out all things for the good just like he did for David.

Prayer: My Father in heaven, too often I stress over things that are beyond my ability to control. Sometimes my heart gets so heavy, and I feel insignificant and invisible. O Savior, tell me that isn’t so! Come close to me, my Lord. Whisper again into my heart your warm words of forgiveness, love, and promise. Only you can truly fill my inner emptiness. Help me not to seek the spotlight. Instead, I will trust you to lift me. Amen.


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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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