David, the shepherd-king of Israel, faced such a storm during one of the most painful seasons of his life. In 2 Samuel 16, as David fled from his son Absalom's rebellion, a man named Shimei hurled stones at him, both literal and figurative. Shimei accused David of being a man of blood and blamed him for the downfall of Saul's house. It was unjust. It was cruel. But David’s response was nothing short of remarkable.
When David’s warrior, Abishai, offered to kill Shimei, David stopped him, saying:
"Let him curse, because the Lord has said to him, 'Curse David.' Who then shall say, 'Why have you done so?'" (2 Samuel 16:10)
David chose not to fight back. Instead, he acknowledged that perhaps Shimei’s words, though painful, were part of God’s plan. He saw his suffering through the lens of humility and divine sovereignty.
A Posture of Humility
David’s response challenges us to take a posture of humility when stones are thrown our way. This doesn’t mean that every criticism or attack is justified, but it does mean recognizing that even opposition can be used by God to refine us. Sometimes, the rain of adversity is meant to wash away our pride, our need for control, or our false sense of righteousness.
Like David, we can ask:
What is God teaching me through this?
Is there a truth hidden in the criticism that I need to hear?
Can I trust God to be my defender instead of taking matters into my own hands?
When the Rain Feels Deserved
There’s another layer to David’s humility—he doesn’t deny his own faults. David had made terrible mistakes, including his sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah. While Shimei’s accusations were not entirely accurate, David might have felt that some of the stones he faced were a natural consequence of his past actions.
In the same way, we often face storms of our own making. A harsh word spoken in anger comes back to haunt us. A decision made in selfishness leads to relational fallout. In those moments, we can do what David did: accept the rain, confess our shortcomings, and trust in God's mercy to bring restoration.
Hope in the Storm
David’s hope in the middle of his humiliation is striking. He said:
"It may be that the Lord will look on the wrong done to me, and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing today." (2 Samuel 16:12)
David trusted that God saw his affliction and would act on his behalf in His own time. This trust allowed David to endure the stones without losing heart.
We, too, can find hope in the storm. God sees. God knows. And God promises that, for those who trust Him, even the worst storms will ultimately work for good (Romans 8:28).
When opposition comes your way—whether it's criticism, betrayal, or the natural consequences of your own failures—take a moment to pause. Instead of reacting in anger or despair, try adopting David’s posture:
Receive the rain with humility.
Ask God what He wants to teach you.
Trust that He sees your affliction and will bring good from it.
Let them throw stones. God is your refuge. He is your defender. And sometimes, the very rain we dread is what nourishes the growth we need most.
Verse 1
I’m walking through the valley, where the shadows stretch so wide,
Their voices rise like thunder, throwing shame from every side.
But I won’t raise my fist; I’ll let their anger fly,
For my refuge is the Maker who hears every cry.
Chorus
Let them throw stones, let them rain down,
I’ll stand here in the storm until mercy comes around.
What they mean for harm, You will use for good,
So let them throw stones—I’ll trust You as I should.
Verse 2
The road I walk is heavy with the guilt I cannot hide,
But grace walks right beside me, keeping hope alive inside.
I don’t deserve the shelter, but You cover me with love,
And every stone that strikes me builds a ladder to above.
Chorus
Let them throw stones, let them rain down,
I’ll stand here in the storm until mercy comes around.
What they mean for harm, You will use for good,
So let them throw stones—I’ll trust You as I should.
Bridge
In the curse, there’s a blessing I can’t yet see,
In the pain, there’s a purpose meant to set me free.
You’re the calm in the chaos, the hope in the haze,
And every stone they throw turns to grace upon grace.
Chorus
Let them throw stones, let them rain down,
I’ll stand here in the storm until mercy comes around.
What they mean for harm, You will use for good,
So let them throw stones—I’ll trust You as I should.
Let them throw stones, let the world rage,
I’m walking in Your light through every darkest stage.
Each stone they throw is paving the road
To the home where You’ll dry every tear I’ve ever known.
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