King of the Losers

And everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter in soul, gathered to him. 1 Samuel 22:2

Once, while sitting in church, a couple of rough looking guys came in late and sat down front. My wife poked me. Friends of yours? Twenty years ago, I would have taken that as an insult. Now it’s a badge of honor. I didn’t know them, but I understood exactly what she meant. They do look like my people. There was a time in my life when I would have preferred to be a physician for the wealthy and successful. Now, I work with the incarcerated, the addicted, and the mentally ill. Why? Because that’s where God wants me. Those are the people who know they need help. When I first got out of treatment, I started a jail Bible study on Sunday mornings. Back then, going to church was uncomfortable because I felt like such a loser and everyone in church was so shiny. I quickly realized there were no shiny people in jail and I found a lot of comfort in being around those who knew they needed God as badly as I did. Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick (Matthew 9:12).

Those who struggle are my people. This is how Jesus spent his time and, in today’s passage, we read that this is how David’s kingdom began. Though he had been chosen by God and anointed king by Samuel, David still feared for his life as the current king, Saul, wanted him dead. Hiding in a cave, he became a hero to the downtrodden. All those who struggled greatly in life, flocked to him because though he’d done heroic things, his life was still a mess. In him, they saw someone with whom they could identify and so, they followed him.

Unlike David, I’m no king, but I have had my life struggles. So, when I’m in jail, talking to the one who’s been addicted, I can say, I’ve been there. This has been the key that has opened many doors. My doctor knows what it’s like. I’m not thankful for the destruction I caused in my addiction, but I’m thankful that it brought me to the point where I’m willing and able to work with those who’ve struggled as I have.

Not all of us will have a drug addiction that God can use. We all have some struggle though. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, past trauma, or some behavioral addiction, we’ve all got something that reveals our need for God. If we’re willing, we can follow him, finding new life. Then, God can use that struggle to reach others who’ve struggled as we have. It’s not glamorous, but personally, I’d rather spend my days with those who struggle and who know they need God, than with the successful and self-sufficient who remain blind to their need.