"Bonds to Duty"

"For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." (Psalms 84:10) Honestly, without the Lord to cry out to, I would be dead or insane. I don't know what I would do without something greater than this life to hold to, to look forward to, and to make my place of refuge. This must be what was going through David's heart, as he hid outside the city, torn between doing nothing and hoping for anything else. I can't imagine what this could honestly feel, to love your son so much, and yet knowing that only his death will make all this suffering go away. Maybe I have a little taste of my own; not that I would try to compare my suffering with what David was going through. His was life threatening, and it included the lives of the faithful ones who had joined him. Imagine what must have been going on in David's heart, as his trusting companions watch as he choose his son's life over his own safety, their safety, and even their lives and his own. You don't think David could have simply put an end to the revolt, any time he wanted to? I know that it makes no sense, but then again, there are plenty of things in this life that don't make sense. On the other hand, Jesus had a more similar situation, as He took on the punishment and death of the cross. You don't think He could have stopped it at any time He wanted to? But that's just the point, He did not want to stop it; nor did He accept any relief from the pain. I can't imagine that, and how that might feel: to have all the power necessary to stop all of your suffering, yet choose not to stop it. Lord Jesus, please forgive me for any of my complaints...
"We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you. But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, "I believed in God, so I spoke." We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. And as God's grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory." (2 Corinthians 4:8-15) NLT