Each time

When David again inquired of God, God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; go around and come on them opposite the balsam trees.”                            1 Chron. 14.14

The Philistines had made a raid on David’s territory. David enquired of God whether he should go up against them. God said yes and He promised to give the Philistines into David’s hand. This is what happened.

Then the Philistines attacked again. And David again went to God for direction. This time God gave him different instructions. David obeyed and again he was victorious.

I think David showed great wisdom in seeking God’s way each time. It would have been so easy to assume that the second time might follow the first. After all, God had spoken, hadn’t He? But David did not hold to a condition precedent. He enquired afresh in the second instance.

There is such a strong message for me in this little tale. I must never presume where God is concerned. He is the mighty one and His plans are sovereign. What God does in one instance He may not necessarily repeat on another occasion. My action is to press in, and to seek His way – each and every time. Even if I am convinced of a course of action, I need to submit it to God. His ways are so superior to my ways. And His way is the way I want to go.

I hope this lesson stays with me. It is easy to forget and exercise confidence in our own ability. May I not do this, but enquire always of God.

Mighty God, Loving Father,

May I remember always to check with You in all that I am about. I seek Your way and I ask that Your Holy Spirit give me a nudge if I am ever tempted to act contrary to You. I give You this present day and ask You to lead me through it, to Your praise and glory.

                                                                                                                                    Amen.