When David asked the Lord about this, he had already fought the Philistines and achieved a great victory over them. Even though the Philistines had come with large armies, with God’s help, David easily drove them into retreat. However, he also noticed that when they came a second time, he did not go to fight them without first seeking the Lord’s guidance. Even though he had previously defeated them, and it would have been easy for him to say, as many others have in similar situations, “I will surely defeat them again. Just as I was victorious before, I will be victorious now. So why hesitate and ask for the Lord’s counsel and help?”
But this was not the case with David. He had won the first battle through the Lord’s strength, and he did not rely on that victory to assume success in the second. Instead, he asked the Lord, “Shall I go up against them?” and waited until he received a sign from the Lord.
Learn from David not to take a single step without seeking the Lord’s counsel. If you, as a believer, know the path of service, take the Lord as your compass. If you wish to navigate your ship through stormy waves, place the helm in the hands of the Almighty. You can avoid many rocks if you let our Heavenly Father steer the ship, and you can also avoid shallow waters and quicksand if you allow His sovereign will to choose and lead.
One of the Puritans once said, “Surely, when a believer carves his own path, he will wound his own fingers.” This is a profound truth. A man of God also said, “Whoever moves ahead of God’s providential cloud embarks on a failed mission.” This is also true. Therefore, we must be mindful of God’s guidance and care for us. If His guidance seems delayed, wait for it until it comes. Whoever moves ahead of God’s care would do better to run back to Him.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you.” This is God’s promise to His people.
So let us take our confusion and uncertainty to Him, saying, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Do not leave your room this morning without asking the Lord.
