THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
What about David, then? After he had already tasted the blessings of the kingdom, did he not, at God's command, accept the scepter of Israel and triumph gloriously over his adversaries? Did he not endure extreme hardships, facing the animosity and accusations of King Saul, living in constant fear for his life, entangled in the struggles of his people, perpetually driven into desolation, turned into a wanderer, stripped of city and home, a displaced person? Is there really more to say? Ultimately, he was exiled from his homeland, completely displaced, residing among hostile and unpleasant foes, experiencing a life that was more arduous than slavery, lacking even the basic sustenance.
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All this he bore after Samuel had anointed him, after he received the promise of kingship, the authority, and the crown, following God's appointment and choice; despite all this, he remained untroubled and did not grumble, saying, ‘What is this? I, a king destined for power, cannot even claim the security afforded to the lowliest individual. Instead, I am a vagabond, a fugitive, a man without a home, banished to a foreign land, deprived of my basic needs, and daily threatened by danger. Where is the promise of my kingship? Where is the assurance of my dominion?’ He voiced none of these thoughts; he wasn't disheartened by his circumstances but patiently awaited the fulfillment of God’s promise. Countless examples exist of individuals who, facing the harshest adversities, did not falter but, anchored in God's promises, even in the face of contrary circumstances, secured for themselves the crowns of eternal glory through remarkable perseverance. Therefore, beloved, be steadfast within yourselves and be patient for the outcome, for all things will be fulfilled, whether in this life or in the age to come. Humble yourselves before the unfathomable wisdom of God’s providence, and do not question how every adversity will be compensated, nor attempt to unravel the methods by which God’s purposes are realized.
Despite being unable to persuade him and having the means to take his life, David resolved that it would be better to forsake his homeland and endure daily poverty in a foreign land in order to secure his own sustenance rather than remain and subject himself to further indignities from the offender. What greater humility could be found in a soul? Indeed, he accurately proclaimed, ‘Remember, O Lord, David, and all his affliction’ (Psalm 131:1). Let us strive to emulate him; let us refrain from speaking ill or doing harm to our enemies, but rather seek to do them good to the extent that we can; in doing so, we shall benefit ourselves more than we do them. ‘For if you forgive others their trespasses,’ the Lord said, ‘your heavenly Father will also forgive you’ (Matthew 6:14).