I published this piece in a blog a few years ago. As I revisited it today, I was reminded of the wonder and awe of God’s leading and response to our prayers. Let’s be the ones who ask the Lord!
In reading through the books of Samuel, I was struck by this repetitive phrase – “David asked the Lord”
Notice these verses-
DavidaskedtheLord, “Should I go and attack them?” “Yes, go and save Keilah,” the Lord told him. (1 Sam 23:2) NLT
So DavidaskedtheLord again, and again the Lord replied, “Go down to Keilah, for I will help you conquer the Philistines.” (1 Sam 23:4) NLT
Then DavidaskedtheLord, “Should I chase after this band of raiders? Will I catch them?” And the Lord told him, “Yes, go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you!” (1 Sam 30:8) NLT
After this, DavidaskedtheLord, “Should I move back to one of the towns of Judah?” “Yes,” the Lord replied. Then David asked, “Which town should I go to?” “To Hebron,” the Lord answered. (2 Sam 2:1) NLT
So DavidaskedtheLord, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?” The Lord replied to David, “Yes, go ahead. I will certainly hand them over to you.” (2 Sam 5:19) NLT
And again DavidaskedtheLord what to do. “Do not attack them straight on,” the Lord replied. “Instead, circle around behind and attack them near the poplar trees. (2 Sam 5:23) NLT
There was a famine during David’s reign that lasted for three years, so DavidaskedtheLord about it. And the Lord said, “The famine has come because Saul and his family are guilty of murdering the Gibeonites.” (2 Sam 21:1) NLT
David sought God’s guidance in decision-making. He wanted to know God’s will.
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.” Psalm 32:8-9 NLT
Do you have a decision to make? Need to be informed which way to go? As we read God’s word, ask Him in prayer, God gives direction. But notice in the above verses, God doesn’t want us to be like the horse or mule needing a bit or bridle to give direction. Instead, He wants us to have good sense!
God gave us understanding AND a covenant relationship with Him! Lean into Him and trust Him for the way you should go!
Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Psalm 25:4-5 NLT
We seek God’s guidance not just because we want a good or easy life – that’s not what is promised. David had to follow God into battle, just as we might have to do. Instead, we ask for God’s guidance because we want to imitate HIM! His paths, His truth, His salvation! Our hope is in Him, not a set of rules.
We seek God’s guidance out of an intimate relationship with the ONE who saves us, gave His life for us, and lives now as our great high priest, interceding for us!
God, through His word, invites us to seek wisdom, to ask Him for guidance, and to trust Him to direct our steps!
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
One last thought – David was not perfect. Sometimes, he should have sought God’s guidance and didn’t. When he took Bathsheba to his bed and designed her husband’s death, David should have sought God. Imagine how the story of his life might have been different if we had recorded for us, “David asked the Lord, ‘Should I take Bathsheba from her rooftop?’” When seeking direction from God, we can know that He will never direct us to sin. He will never contradict His word. David’s life is given to us (along with all of scripture) as an example to point us to Jesus! In His sermon on the mount, Jesus calls us to right living, to holiness, to maturity in our relationship with Him!
As we walk with Him, asking Him for direction, He leads us in paths of righteousness.
Prayer
God, You who guides and watches over us, Leading us in paths of righteousness Advising us with wisdom far beyond our own, And guarding us with kindness and care — Show us the right path, O Lord, Point out the road for us to follow. Lead us by Your truth and teach us — For you are the God who saves. All day long, we place our hope in You. Whether in battle or rest — In struggle or peace — Conflict or harmony — Home or work — Community or on our own — May we walk in Your ways Trusting Your heart — For Your glory and our good. Amen.
