I have to admit that the long hours of sunlight have been refreshing. This picture was taken a few months ago so we experienced the sunrise on that particular Saturday morning.

When David’s “gorgeous” son, Absalom, conspired against his father, the people were won over by his good looks, thick hair and welcoming personality.

David was king but willingly left the city of Jerusalem to seek refuge and avoid bloodshed.

There are good looks and then there are wise counselors. Although Absalom convinced Ahithophel (David’s most trusted advisor) to join his conspiracy, God had other plans for Absalom.

Hushai, David’s friend, was urged by the king to go to Absalom and defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. David’s prayer on the Mount of Olives was answered (that Ahithophel’s counsel would be turned to foolishness).

Certainly there are times in our lives when wise counsel is imperative for success. Even wise counselors, however, can be misled by selfish ambition or pure revenge. (One Bible dictionary recorded Ahithophel as being the grandfather of Bathsheba).

We may never know why Ahithophel deserted David to follow a foolish boy but God’s plan was not for David to lose the throne. Instead, Absalom lost his life in a low hanging tree (because of his thick hair).

Hushai indeed gave the counsel that Absalom followed leading to David’s victory, including heartbreak for his son.

Godly parents cannot ensure whether their children will be wise or foolish but they will always have a desire for their children’s lives to be one with God’s heart.

I couldn’t help but see the similarities between King David and Jesus, son of David, both praying on the Mount of Olives before their suffering.

Both of their prayers were answered. David’s prayer that Ahithophel’s advice would be turned to foolishness and Jesus’ prayer that not his will but God the Father’s will be done.

Lord, may we always cast our cares upon you for you will sustain us- you will never let the righteous fall. (based on Psalm 55:22)

Never stop casting, do not let heavy burdens bury you. -Teresa #sustainedby #CreatorGod #salvationby #Jesus #SonofDavid #havemercyonme

2 Samuel 17:14 (ESV)

¹⁴ And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For the Lordhad ordained^[d] to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the Lord might bring harm upon Absalom.