“Therefore, David inquired of the LORD, and He said, “You shall not go up; circle around behind them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees.” – II Samuel 5:23
REFERENCE:
David was an experienced man of war. He had fought and won many battles and faces a proposed attack by the Philistines in our text. Although he had previously fought with the Philistines and won, David would not engage with them again without knowing the mind and will of God or asking for His plan, on Whom alone he knew victory depended.
Because most of what we do at home or our jobs is routine, we rarely see a need to ask God about how to do them differently. Wake up, pray with your prayer guide, cook breakfast, type a document, call a client, sort out supply requests, attend to customers, troubleshoot a glitch on the office local network, make the dress for the customer, and the list goes on. We do all these over and over until they become automatic. But what if God has other plans and wants to get your attention to do things differently? What if there is a revolutionary idea/style? You will not know what new plans, strategy, method, etc., God has unless you ask Him.
God is not a stagnant God that lacks innovation. David understood this; hence, he often sought God for direction and new strategies, not relying on old ones. He could have said, “I know the mind of God on this matter, at least from my experience,” but he asked God what His battle plan was for the new conflict. It is crucial to get a new perspective, direction, and strategy from God, as you daily deal with issues. Moreso, our enemy, satan, is cunning and full of stratagems; therefore, to be ahead of the game, you need to hear from God.
David’s action here further proves that he was a man after God’s heart. If you love God, you will neither act without Him nor take Him for granted, doing your business without asking Him daily to guide and show you what He wants you to do differently. Jesus lived like this: “I am able to do nothing from Myself [independently, of My own accord—but only as I am taught by God and as I get His orders]. Even as I hear, I judge [I decide as I am bidden to decide. As the voice comes to Me, so I give a decision], and My judgment is right (just, righteous), because I do not seek or consult My own will [I have no desire to do what is pleasing to Myself, My own aim, My own purpose] but only the will and pleasure of the Father Who sent Me.” John 5:30 (AMPC)
If you live like this, you will get great results; you will see dimensions of God and yourself that you never knew existed. You will experience exponential growth in all your endeavors and become a dominant force, just as David was because of his 100% battle victories. Just ASK GOD!
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
Proverbs 3:5-6, 2 Samuel 2:1, 1 Samuel 23:2-4, and 1 Samuel 30:8.
PRAYERS:
+ Father, forgive me for thinking I already know how to do the things I do; hence, I have stopped asking You for inspiration and new direction.
+ Lord, please show me new ways to do everything I do – from the mundane to the big things.
+ I know you have good plans for me, Lord. Henceforth, I receive the courage to ask for Your plans.
Reading this, I realize how much I take some things I do for granted, because I know what to do and have always done them, without asking God if He has new ways and methods. Lord, I ask for the grace and discipline to always remember to ask for Your counsel…even in the simple, familiar daily tasks and routine.
Amen 🙏🏼
This study makes me feel so guilty. Our lips say that we depend on God more than our actions show. Dear God, please forgive my assumptions and teach me to acknowledge you in ALL of ways. Amen🙌
God help me to acknowledge you in ALL my ways and ALL my days, that You may straighten my paths. Amen
As a fan of routine and an avid planner, I do realize I need to let God determine my steps. May I be open to asking and divine reorganization of my plans
Amen!