1 Chronicles 14:9-10 Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the Valley of Rephaim. And David inquired of God, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up, and I will give them into your hand.”
David faced big challenges with a big God. He certainly was not a perfect man, but he was described as a man after God’s heart (Acts 13:20).
What was his key to success? Was it training, practice, mind control, great talent, lots of money, status? All of those things surely helped, but one key ingredient is recorded in the passage above: the Philistines had come and raided the Valley of Rephaim, so David inquired of God: “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?“
To meet the Philistine threat David “inquired of the LORD“.
In the midst of pressure, amid an army coming, an army that David knew all about. In the midst of all his responsibilities and duties as a king, in the midst of being a dad and husband and being in a pressured role, David unashamedly goes to the King of Kings for the Word and Way forward.
David is so concerned and wants the word of the King of Kings before he moves a muscle. Let me ask us: are we wanting, are we asking, are we concerned with what is the word of God for what you’re personally facing right now, for what the church is facing right now, for what our nation is facing right now?
David inquired of the Lord, heard from God, and then acted on it. In our fast-paced times, I ask myself the question, and I ask you, who are we really listening to? Whose opinions are we working from? From what source are we taking our cue from? Our own thoughts, what a friend says, family, social media, TV…. or is it from the platform of heaven and God’s word? Of course, God can speak through many sources, but the main source is through the Word and Spirit of God.
I wonder if one of the enemies’ tactics today is to flood us with so many voices from so many angles that we get distracted and sidetracked. David brings us right back to basics: specifically, ask God about whatever is on your mind, whatever is bothering you, whatever is your battle right now.
Praying and asking God isn’t just about getting instructions from God and going and doing them. It’s not just a mechanical process: ‘right, do this’, ‘box ticked’, ‘wait for the next instruction’. But David’s inquiry here is more about being situated in and led by God’s presence. God’s provision lies where His presence leads. Be encouraged, even if you have to wait. God has a Word and Way for you in this season. It’s time to seek the Lord.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness, grace and hand upon my life. I thank You for Your presence and provision. Help me to be led by Your presence. Thank You that You have a Word and a Way this season for my life, family, friends, church and nation. I open my heart to hear Your heart. Give me the courage to act according to Your Will, Way and Word. Amen