Decisions

2 Samuel 5:19 NASB
(19) Then David inquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You give them into my hand?" And the LORD said to David, "Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand."
2 Samuel 5:23-24 NASB
(23) When David inquired of the LORD, He said, "You shall not go directly up; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees.
(24) "It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall act promptly, for then the LORD will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines."

David sought the Lord for each of these decisions. He had recently been crowned king over the entire nation of Israel, and had made his home in Jerusalem. Yet, on two different occasions, the Philistines came out against Him. As a king, you would think he possessed the wisdom and know how to confront his enemies with success. Yet, we find him seeking the Lord on both occasions. The first time, God told him to go out against them directly, the second time, under the same exact circumstances, to go about it a different way. The result was that both times he experienced the Lord’s help and provision.

In our own lives, often we think we are wise and experienced enough to make decisions on our own. However, I think this episode in the life of David should remind us to seek the Lord in every decision we make. Whether they be about our own personal lives, the lives of our families, our churches, our businesses of vocations. God is interested and at work in every area of our lives. If we will seek His counsel and heed it, we will be the recipient of His direction, provision, and power.