A Buffer against Bitterness

Intro: Popeye: I’ve had all I can stand, (Clip)

Intro (2): This culture’s lack of exposure to the great animated theologians of my day: Bugs Bunny and Popeye.

Text: 2 Sam. 16;

Abstract: We all have a breaking point, after which we soon discover how easily wisdom can fail us. We long to know that the Lord is still with us, even in the midst of consequential discipline and the problems that come from a lack of faithfulness to the principle concerns God sets before us. David is discovering the difficulties of illness, age, and the fallout of poor decision making in his past. Will he succumb to bitterness or is there a better way?

The Great Problem to solve: How do we get from “enough is enough” to Thy will be done— without succumbing to bitterness . How do we begin to see all things working together for good? Rom. 8:28;

Heb.12:15; Just what is at stake?

We need rational (Biblical) thinking that leads to wise decisions) 2 Sam.16:1-5;

David’s condition:

Emotionally affected by Ziba’s gift, and struggling to hold it all together, David believes the lie of Ziba and entrusts to Ziba what he previously had designated to Mephibosheth. Why did David respond so quickly and so decisively? I have a theory.

The Problem for David— us, we too easily succumb to the stress of our circumstances— leading to unprepared emotional responses.

When we’re feeling our age, our fatigue, when we’re discouraged, feeling beaten, we can fall into a ditch of our own muck. In that moment we need our mind to champion over our emotions:

In a fascinating book, by neurosurgeon Dr. Lee Warren, he writes,

When our son Mitchell died horrifically in 2013, my wife Lisa and I were plunged into despair… As we battled daily bouts of desperation, I slowly realized that my brain and body offered a lot of input and chatter, but I didn’t have to accept or act on all of it. Instead, I could take control of my thoughts and outlook. While our Christian faith and loved ones provided life-giving support, only I could change my mind…

We are all constantly bombarded by thoughts and feelings that lead to moods, decisions, and actions that we didn’t ask for and wouldn’t have chosen. The problem comes when we assume we’re helpless and give up.

But perhaps… you need to realize that our problem lies in our perception and what we’re really lacking is perspective.

while perception immobilizes, perspective empowers you to see and respond to your situation from a different point of view.

Research shows that a huge percentage of our automatic feelings and thoughts are false. You pay excessive attention to them or believe that you are obligated to allow them to direct your decisions rather than inform them. According to Dr. Warren, neuroscience confirms what the Bible has to say about your mind and its best practices.

At last, someone to say what I’ve been thinking for years

“… It turns out that you can direct structural changes in your brain by thinking different thoughts, and those brain changes can benefit your body through improved physiology, reduced stress hormone production, and even alterations in the ways your genes are expressed.”

Let me first define Neuroplasticity : The brain’s ability to reorganize its structure, functions and connections through life. The ability of the brain to create new pathways, to learn new skills, and respond specifically to repetitive tasks.

Romans 12:2; aligns with neuroplasticity: (The ability of the brain to form new pathways) and our ability to change thought patterns for personal transformation. The help lies in the metamorphosis— the translation that takes place in your mind

Philippians 4:8; Reflects the importance of focus and attention; suggests we can reinforce positive neural pathways. Robert Gromacki writes, “Faith must lead to constructive action. Negative anxiety must be replaced by positive habits. After praying the believer must get involved in right thinking and doing (Both imperative). (Gromacki, pg. 181) I would term this directed thought.

2 Cor. 10:5; Aligns with the concept of intentional thought management for spiritual and mental health. Paul argues an incompatibility between wisdom of God and man. “Every attitude that forms an obstacle to the emancipating knowledge of God contained in the Gospel of Christ.” The picture here is a military op in enemy territory bent on thwarting every hostile plan.

Eph. 4:17; Highlights the consequences of unproductive, aimless thought patterns and aligns with the neuroscience principle that habitual negative thinking reinforces detrimental neural pathways. One translation renders “in the futility…”“Good for nothing notions, underlying irresponsible behavior (Expos: Ephesians)

Ephesians 4:23; Corresponds with the idea of renewing thought patterns to reflect a healthier, more Christ-centered perspective, which parallels the neuroscience principle of neuroplasticity and the ability to reshape mental habits for greater well-being. R.Kent Hughes writes, “ Sandwiched between putting off and putting on is the necessity that we “be made new in the attitude of our minds. Wm Barclay says, “ you must have a completely new attitude of mind.” We cannot effectively put on our new clothing unless our thinking is altered and renewed.” (pg. 143: Hughes: Ephesians)

We have been given a Christian mind— and the tools for it to hold sway over our emotions. But our underlying help is God. Harry Blamires writes, “ The Christian mind see human life and human history held in the hands of God.” ( Blamiers: pg. 67)

We need prudent discernment between the discipline of Lord and the consequences of our actions— 2 Sam. 16: 5-12

How does David see his condition? He suggests the Lord is right in his discipline of him. We see these consequences as connected:

to David’s sin with Bathsheba: There was a weight to that, a constant reminder of the separation wrought by this act of disobedience

consequences from poor discipline (parenting, etc): the failure to model good parenting, to sail past the directives of God’s wishes and run aground on the culture’s standards.

And he bears the reproach that is part of anyone in leadership. Shimei’s cursing though false, still stings— the companion for anyone in leadership. [Swindoll and pastor of 1st Baptist, Dallas.) Tozer: “It is doubtful that God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.” (Root of Righteous) If you’re involved in ministry, you will be the recipient of criticism, misinformation, and your own share of cursing from others.

And yet, a perspective to see the whole picture of his life. He suggests that yet God will yet bless him.

We need spiritual vision for our next steps not careless wandering. 2 Sam. 16: 15-23;

How do we chart our next steps when they are not fully known?

Notice, he refreshed himself 2 Sam. 16: 14; Important Ps. here

He kept the plan before them: Notice the events back in Jerusalem: Hushai— David’s agent in plain sight. Explain: 2 Sam. 16: 15-19;

Spiritual vision belongs to those who have been refreshed in God’s word. (Psalms) It gives us the hope to press on. It is the buffer against bitterness in our lives. it is the actions we take in pursuing a course back to God, rather than surrendering to a fatalist point of view.

Significant sections of Ps. 41; Ps.55; and others suggest the process of working this through. It’s David entrusting his future to God, who is sovereign over the counsel of men.

2 Sam.16: 20-23; Interesting: highly regarded, but Divinely supplanted. Another reminder that God is in control of David’s end game… and ours.

Applications:

We must be careful to examine motives; our own and others. The minute you begin to assume your own thinking infallible, you’re in trouble. [Deb to Josh]

We must be constant in our pursuit of spiritual discipline— Our mind is important to God, it should be to us, its development and its care. It’s ability to renew itself is a gift from God that our right thinking can overtake and minister to our emotions.

We must be confident in hope for God’s care for us. God has a plan and we should be constrained to submit to it.