Life is full of decisions and circumstances where we need to know what to do and the best way forward. That's where God has some advice for us and encourages us to "Grow a wise heart—you'll do yourself a favour; keep a clear head—you'll find a good life". (Proverbs 19:8)
To grow in wisdom will mean learning to be disciplined in ourselves so that before we act, we will seek God, His word and the wise counsel of others. Even when we've been doing things a certain way for a long time, or it's worked before, it doesn't mean it's always the best course of action for this particular decision. It’s important to gain fresh revelation and guidance for every move we make to be in the centre of God’s will for our lives.
In the Bible, King David reveals the importance of seeking God's instructions and direction before acting.
2 Samuel 5:19 says, "Then David inquired of the Lord, saying, "Shall I go up against the Philistines."
And the Lord said, "Go," and gave David specific instructions on how to win.
Soon after this, David went into battle again, and rather than running headfirst into another fight, he chose to inquire of the Lord again. 2 Samuel 5:22-23 says, "Now the Philistines came up once again and spread themselves out in the Valley of Rephaim. When David inquired of the Lord, He said, "You shall not go directly up; circle behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees."
Rather than just charging ahead with his plans, David chose to ask the Lord for fresh wisdom and strategy when faced with the same enemy and situation.
When the Philistines regrouped and gathered a second time in the valley of Rephaim, David could have easily assumed, "I've been in this situation before, and I know what God said last time; I'll do the same thing." But he took nothing for granted and inquired of the Lord again, and God gave him new instructions. He was to attack from a different direction, and God would work with Him in new ways. Rather than presuming he knew what to do, David stopped, asked and followed new instructions, and because of that, he continued to have great success.
Many situations in life are repetitious and familiar, and it's understandable to think we would know what to do every time. Or we can become prideful and assume we know what's best and no longer need God's advice. But David's example is a wise one. As a seasoned leader, warrior, and King, he didn't presume or lean primarily on his own understanding but repeatedly inquired of the Lord before moving forward in his decisions and tactics.
Seeking answers and the wisdom to know what to do is a continual process and can be found in gaining a formal education, gathering around us wise counsellors and ensuring we spend time with God and reading and acting upon His word. This sort of wisdom is a lifelong process of growth and relationship and is something we do to keep growing and walking in God’s ways.
Today I encourage you to inquire of the Lord and the guidance in His Word. Don't presume you know what to do because you've done it before or the circumstances seem familiar. Give God a chance to speak and advise you of any new direction or strategy or to listen to the wisdom of others he leads you to find support and guidance from. It may be the same or something new, but give God a chance to speak, and he will lead in the way to go so you will have good success.
"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed." (Proverbs 15:22)
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him". (James 1:5)
"The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." (Psalm 32:8)
"Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart, rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go." (Proverbs 3:5-6 TPT)
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you lead and guide me in the way to go. Please help me to gain a heart of Wisdom and to inquire of you and your guidance as I make my plans with you today. In Jesus' name Amen.
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