Help! “A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.” Psalm 3.1, 2 Without being overly judgmental, about David (for we are quite aware that much of his situation in life was self-inflicted), we see him as he flees from his beloved son. To be shunned by a grown child is excruciatingly painful, but to be pursued with the intent to kill is beyond nearly everyone’s understanding. It does seem, however, that the child to whom the most is given is the one who demands more.
I have been blessed all of my life when considering family and relationships. The only reason I would pursue my parents would be to get a hug from Mom or to gain some wisdom from my Dad. My wife and I have had disagreements over the years, and have suffered many disappointments, but seldom have we had cross words and have leaned heavily upon our “Life Verse” for us: “O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.” (Psalm 34.3)
Through their formative years, we have had very few problems with our daughters. Oh, we’ve had our disagreements, but I can honestly say that we have never raised our voices to each other – they have never threatened our lives. Today, they are an integral part of our church.
It took entering into the ministry for our faith to be tried – for those who were troubling to surface and create issues. Within the first few years as a pastor, our lives (mine and my wife’s) were threatened. Yes, in the Southern Bible Belt – the place where everyone thought they were followers of Christ. It happened more than once and in two different ministries. The threats were real and initiated by some of the leaders in the church – men who were quite capable of making good on their promises.
I never became bitter; but, as a young man (mid-twenties when the first one occurred) my heart was broken and my zeal was dampened. I felt threatened and alone with no one caring for our safety. Interestingly enough, each time I found myself on the bottom looking up, God sent someone to stand with me.
It’s sad, indeed, that so often there is more hurt and pain inflicted upon God’s ministers by those who should be supporting through faith in the Word than from those who are outside the fold of believers. After all, followers of Christ are of the same family and should live together in a loving relationship especially when disagreements come.
Over the years I’ve met many disgruntled church people who speak harshly when referencing a pastor under whom they sat because he didn’t measure up to their standards for a preacher. When probing a bit deeper, it’s not difficult to find that their issue was less than life-changing; but they decided they’d take a less than mature route – they’d take their ball and bat and go to another playground.
I find it interesting that those who have threatened have never attempted to reconcile (although I have) but when seeing them many years later offered a hand shake and a Southern, “I’m so glad to see you. You were one of my favorite pastors.” I always accept their hand and usually offer a hug while being thankful that the threat is past and that God has blessed me beyond measure with a wife and a beautiful family (including sons-in-law and their family members) who enjoy being together. Copyright © 2025 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/
FaceBook page: facebook.com/groups/
Website: firstemmanuelbaptistchurch.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/@firstemmanuelbaptistchurch?si=bqoLMLz6UMC_-9no