You can easily fall into the habit of presuming you know what to do because you’ve been doing things a certain way for a long time or it’s worked before.
However, 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 Vally 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 own plans, David chose to inquire of 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 he stopped, asked and followed new instructions, and because of that, David 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. But David’s example is a wise one. As a seasoned leader, warrior, and King, he didn’t presume or lean on his own understanding but repeatedly inquired of the Lord before moving forward.
God always has a plan and strategy to bring success, but to access these plans, we will need to stop and inquire of Him so that He can give fresh direction, new ideas and approaches.
Today I encourage you to inquire of the Lord. 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 to advise you of any new direction or strategy. It may be the same, or it may be something new, but give God a chance to speak and he will lead in the way to go so you will have good success.
“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. Would you please remind me to inquire of you and not make my plans independent of You. Speak, Lord, I’m listening. In Jesus name Amen.
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