2 Samuel 19:7 "Now go out there and congratulate your troops, for I swear by the Lord that if you don't go out, not a single one of them will remain here tonight."
David's army under Joab's leadership has just granted him a big victory. It was a victory that came with a price as David's rebellious son Absalom was killed. David mourns for his son so Joab confronts him and defines reality for the king.
Sometimes we need advice and counsel from others. Sometimes we need to hear some tough love. Joab gives David some tough love. The king is in mourning for his son Absalom, but Joab explains that the greater good was accomplished with his death. That's a tough story to sell to the king, but in Joab's mind it had to be told. Who in my life is telling me the honest truth? Have I surrounded myself with the kinds of people who will speak truth to me no matter how hard it might hurt? I need those voices in my life now more than ever.
Dear Jesus, help me lean on and surround myself with "tough love" kind of friends. Amen.
