Good Grief and Bad (2 Samuel 19)

The Wisdom Journey with Stephen Davey

Grief is a natural response to loss, but it can either move you forward or leave you stuck. David’s mourning over Absalom turns into an unhealthy isolation that impacts his leadership and his people. His soldiers return from battle expecting gratitude, but instead, they find a king consumed by sorrow. Joab steps in with a blunt but necessary rebuke—reminding David that while grief is personal, leadership requires responsibility. As David refocuses, he faces difficult reunions, surprising betrayals, and critical decisions that will shape his kingdom. This episode unpacks the difference between good grief, which acknowledges loss but trusts God’s plan, and bad grief, which isolates and paralyzes. How should you grieve when life takes an unexpected turn? What does biblical leadership look like in the face of loss? Discover how David’s journey can help you process your own pain while staying faithful to God’s calling.

Stephen Davey's newest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback