Scripture

Our verse for today comes from 2 Samuel 16:4, ” So the king said to Ziba, ‘Here, all that belongs to Mephibosheth is yours.’ ” 

Background

I read recently about the instinctive reaction times that occur within each of our brains. We are all made with a survivalist nature, meaning that our first and natural reaction in a moment of perceived danger is to stay alive. Sometimes, as prompted by the limbic system, the method of survival is to flee, and sometimes it is to fight. But these reactions also occur during moments of stress. That same limbic system produces a reaction when we feel emotionally or psychologically threatened as well. You may, in fact, know yourself as more of a fighter, becoming combative in such situations, while others of us are much more inclined to flee, shutting down when these feelings arise. But there is also another reaction that occurs within our brains, and that is the one that evokes reason and experience. Unfortunately, this particular response is several milliseconds slower than the limbic system. Therefore, whenever we are faced with an uncomfortable, unpleasant, or threatening situation, our minds want to respond the same way they always have, even though our conscience self may know that the threat is insignificant or even non-existent. 

Application

We’ve all reacted poorly over an issue multiple times, when in retrospect it was obvious that the matter was simply a non-issue. Over-reactions are most often initial reactions, and they are unfortunately quite natural. David’s feelings were hurt by what he heard about Mephibosheth, and his knee-jerk reaction was to take back what he had given to him and give it to Ziba. You will be put upon today, just as sure as the sun rises. And your mind will want to defend, or even attack. But as a follower of Jesus, you have the mind of Christ within you, a Master who overcomes your instincts and allows you to die to yourself. That’s completely unnatural and sometimes unpleasant, bordering on the humiliating. But who will be your master, a slave or a King? Who will you trust to respond in a way that glorifies the cross? 

Charge

As we seek Him today, be aware of your tendency to defend yourself and justify your reasons. Let today be the day you run out of excuses.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words