The richest man in the world in my growing up years was John D. Rockefeller.  At the end of his life when asked how much money was enough, the billionaire allegedly replied, “Just one more dollar”.  In context, this phrase was used to illustrate that the desire for wealth is addictive, and many people fail to know when to stop pursuing money and start enjoying life. At what point is enough?

“I’ve got something he can never have… The knowledge that I’ve got enough.” — Writer Joseph Heller to Kurt Vonnegut regarding a billionaire host, highlighting that defining “enough” is true wealth.

“Money often costs too much.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson.

King Saul never “had enough” in his mind.  King Saul had it all by the standards of humanity; but because of his defiant disobedience to God with declaring himself to be not only the king but a god; he didn’t have God for God left him to himself.  King Saul no longer had God’s Holy Presence and Spirit with him because of this extreme disobedience! Even though Saul knew God would act on his disobedience, he avoided truth and instead became obsessed with killing the new anointed one—David, whom God had chosen. 

Years later, after the warrior king did indeed replace Saul and led God’s people. But David committed the sin of adultery, lost an infant son, and then much later David is betrayed by his own son, Absalom.  David did not live a perfect life; but David knew who to repent to when he sinned against God whom he loved.

David wasn’t at the scene of the revolt, but he spoke out to those who had turned against him and made Absalom king (2 Samuel 14–18). “You rabble” refers to the leading men of rank whom Absalom had seduced to help him lead the people astray. David understood their thinking as a leader of men in war and how Absalom had deceived them. But David’s heart, a heart after God, was broken over his son. But one thought remains for David; David knew he had no glory of his own, for all his glory came from the Lord (Psalm 3:3).  All he had within him came from God!

The psalms by David, other writers he appointed, and by those who came after him follow a pattern of honesty and humility in times of trouble followed by lament, a crying out to God for help.  God is given praise, honor, and glory knowing God is the only one who can help.  In the crying out, the true belief that God is more than enough sets in and when this happens. God’s peace replaces anxieties.  Inner, everlasting Joy returns, when the relationship is restored with God—a joy that was there all along.

Psalm 4, The Message

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

When I call, give me answers. God, take my side!
Once, in a tight place, you gave me room;
Now I’m in trouble again: grace me! hear me!

² You rabble—how long do I put up with your scorn?
How long will you lust after lies?
How long will you live crazed by illusion?

³ Look at this: look
Who got picked by God!
He listens the split second I call to him.

^4-5 Complain if you must, but don’t lash out.
Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking.
Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.

^6-7 Why is everyone hungry for more? “More, more,” they say.
“More, more.”
I have God’s more-than-enough,
More joy in one ordinary day

^7-8 Than they get in all their shopping sprees.
At day’s end I’m ready for sound sleep,
For you, God, have put my life back together.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

David rejoiced because of God’s protection and peace. He encouraged others to trust in God. He knew, through deep struggle and grief, that God could sustain him.

PAUSE TO PRAY AND RENEW OUR THOUGHTS

Do I really believe what God says in His Word to be really real? 

What I do will reflect who I am in Jesus.  Is Jesus my Savior but not yet my Lord?

Do I need to surrender today to the will of my Father, God?

Do we respond to God like David?  David trusted God like any child trust his good father. David ran to Him in times of trouble and trusted God as a good father who protects and provides for his children.  David’s faith in God was the key to their deep, intimate relationship. Is my faith child-like or childish?

David was not only a great king and military strategist, but he was also a loving shepherd who cared for his people and wanted them to humbly walk with the Lord. David knew that the spiritual condition of his people was far more important than their military skill, for the Lord gives victory to those who trust and obey (Psalm 51:16–19).

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way… (old hymn of my youth) …my response for today! What is your response? I’m praying with you to trust God—He knows what He is doing!

Lord,

Cleanse our hearts and renew our minds in ways that transform our behaviors so others will know YOU in and through us. Refresh our souls with your Word that teaches and your mercies that forgives our sins. Like a fountain, continually restore the joy of your salvation at work within us. To You be all glory, honor, and praise forever and ever, Amen!

In Jesus Name, Amen