Scripture: 2 Samuel 5-6.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

2 Samuel 5:17-19 (NLT)

17 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king of Israel, they mobilized all their forces to capture him. But David was told they were coming, so he went into the stronghold.

18 The Philistines arrived and spread out across the valley of Rephaim.

19 So David asked the Lord, “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 Samuel 5:22-23 (NLT)

22 But after a while the Philistines returned and again spread out across the valley of Rephaim. 23 And again David asked the Lord what to do. “Do not attack them straight on,” the Lord replied. “Instead, circle around behind and attack them near the poplar trees.

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

“What Shall I Do?” These are probably very popular words of a person who is truthful with themselves and who realizes that they don’t know it all or have all of the answers. In the above verses we can see two examples where David didn’t dare make a move against the Philistine army until he consulted with God. Now, David could have based his decision on past successes and led his army into battle with a certain degree of confidence knowing that he had overcome this army on several occasions before. However, David always fought his battles the way that God instructed him to. In each instance he:

1. Asked God if he should fight, or not;
   
2. Followed instructions carefully, and
   
3. Gave God the glory (see verse 20 for a prime example)
   

When we are faced with decisions and wondering which way to turn next or what we should say or how we should handle ourselves, it would behoove us to follow David’s example. Remember, there’s a reason God wanted this particular story/example in His Word – for His people of all generations to follow. We are daily faced with important decisions that could not only affect ourselves, but those that we love, or those that we work with, or those that we influence. Let’s get in the habit of consulting with God first, following His instructions carefully, and then celebrate the results by giving all the glory to God.

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Dear God, please help me to place full dependence on You each and every day and with each and every important decision I need to make. It never ceases to amaze me of all the answers that I find in Your Word. It always amazes me of the excellent examples You have shown to me through those servants of Yours in times past. There really is no excuse for me to do it alone, for I believe that as I place my full dependence in You and listen to You speak through Your Word, I will not only find answers to my dilemmas but I will be assured of success with You in control of the situations I find so tough to handle many times. David was such a fine example of this, and I thank You for reminding me of this again today. You are awesome, most powerful, almighty to save, and One in whom I can safely place my trust and dependence. Please remind me of this each and every day, and give me wisdom to follow Your will for my every decision. Thank You Lord for all You can, and will do!

 

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