Scripture:
1 Samuel 23:1-5 ESV
[1] Now they told David, “Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are robbing the threshing floors.” [2] Therefore David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” And the Lord said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” [3] But David’s men said to him, “Behold, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” [4] Then David inquired of the Lord again. And the Lord answered him, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.” [5] And David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines and brought away their livestock and struck them with a great blow. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.
Observation:
David was hiding from Saul. A worrier a man of war. Successful in battle. The one known for killing Goliath. Hiding from Saul. It almost doesn’t make sense. Except that David trusted the LORD. He knew that Samuel had already anointed him to be the next king and was simply waiting for GOD to do what HE was going to do so that David could move into position. In the meantime even though he was hiding. He saw a need for his talents. The Philistines were going to war against Keilah, and David knew the Philistines and their war strategy. So he asked the LORD what to do, and the direction of the LORD was to fight. I could almost see him talking to his men. Ok, listen up guys. We are going to go help the people…what…are you sure…we are in hiding…does this really make sense…I mean if we are going to fight let’s go get Saul…are you sure you heard the LORD correctly? Maybe you should ask again. His men somehow put a little uncertainty in his mind. Enough that he thought…well maybe I should ask GOD one more time. GOD knew the plan that HE had for David, and HE knew it involved this battle. The Philistines needed to be defeated, and it needed to be done by GOD through David. The conclusion the LORD answered David with a Resounding yes. Go I have given them into your hands.
Application:
Sometimes we just need to make sure we heard GOD correctly. David was called a man after GOD’s own heart, and yet he still had to ask more than once. Sometimes the people around us can influence how much we trust what GOD has told us to do, and we need to be persistent in asking the LORD. Listen I am so tired of making bad decisions. My life has been set on fire and up in smoke so many times that I need to be very careful about who I allow to speak into it. When you have a relationship with GOD, HE will speak to your heart. It’s ok to ask more than once. Always make sure you hear GOD correctly. You don’t have to move hastefully. Wait tell you know for sure. Never give up on seeking the LORD’s will for you. HIS plan for you will be spoken to you. Others may cause you doubt because they did not receive the answer you did from GOD, and honestly, their thoughts may be swayed by their human opinions. When you hear from GOD you can rest assured that what HE said will happen. I would just encourage you to confirm that what you heard was from GOD. How do you do that? Well GOD will never contradict HIS word. If HE did then HE would be a liar and we all know that GOD can not lie. So my suggestion is to search HIS word the answer is in there. Every answer to every prayer you will ever pray is in HIS word. Be still and know that HE is GOD.
Prayer:
Father, we know it’s not always easy to hear your voice. It’s still and small and we have to be turned in to it or we can very easily miss it. The world is screaming in our ears, and you take the time to whisper. A big booming voice is not how you operate. You want to know that we are listening to you. Help us to tune our ears to your voice. We don’t want to move on our own. Your word tells us it’s ok to be still. It’s ok to know that you are in control of the battle and we can trust that you have given us victory. We fight on our knees. Casting all our cares on you. Knowing that you have our best interest in your heart. Your plan is good, and when it unfolds will absolutely blow the minds of all who said…are you sure that’s what GOD said? All we ask is that we can hear you clearly, and when you speak that we act on what was said. You are GOD, and we want what you want for us. Help us to obtain that. By clear drection. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.