Resolve to Be a Joy-Giver
Her name meant "reason for joy." Most people probably called her "Joy," but we know her by her Hebrew name, Abigail. She is described as a beautiful woman who was of good understanding. Abigail's husband, Nabal, was a very wealthy man. He was not, however, a good man. His lifestyle and character qualities matched his name. Nabal meant "wicked fool."
It is a shame that God's saints must deal with the rotten of this world. In 1 Samuel 25 we read of Nabal being a thorn in the sides of God's people. At this time, David was not yet king. He was being hunted by King Saul. While hiding in the wilderness of Paran, David befriended and protected those around him. In return for this blessing, the people of the land were hospitable to David and his men. All the people except Nabal. When Nabal foolishly cursed and taunted David's men, David exploded. This godly man vowed to exterminate Nabal. While we would normally not expect such behavior from "a man after God's own heart," the truth of the matter is that when we deal with harsh, ruthless people it is easy to resort to their tactics. When we are abused, rebuffed, and rejected, our desire most often is to turn the tables on the scoundrels we must deal with.
As David hit the warpath, the news hit Abigail. This woman of character left immediately to meet David on the road. Abigail met David with humble apologies and a generous gift of food for him and his men. Her greatest contribution was not the food that she shared, but it was the example that she displayed. Abigail's words and attitude stopped David from exacting vengeance. This woman of excellence provides a sterling example then and now. Abigail was a breath of fresh air. While all those around her (including David, who was swept up with defending his rights) were building their own castles and advancing their own agendas, she was an ambassador of peace and grace.
As Abigail was of "good understanding," so we must be today. Your enemy is not the unpleasant people in your life. The Christian’s primary agenda is not to fight governments or man-made organizations. We are told to fight the forces of Satan. We bring revolution by conversion. Men and women are bound by the ropes of sin. Only the sword of the Gospel can free lost mankind. Remember your real enemy is Satan! If we will look at how we might encourage someone, we will see doors of opportunity open for God's Kingdom. The best calling card of evangelism might be a loaf of bread and a kind word. As you lift someone up above the fog of this life, they have a better chance of seeing God's throne. As we enter a New Year, let us make a difference by bringing joy and grace into the lives of those around us. It is easy to allow the hectic pace of life to sour our attitudes. Remember that Jesus is our reason for joy, and we can determine to help be someone else's reason for joy. Keep looking up!