“David inquired of the Lord, saying, ‘Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?’ And the Lord said unto him, ‘Go up.'” 2 Samuel 2:1
Dear Ones:
When David was anointed by Samuel, the Spirit of God came upon him in a very special way, one that corresponded to his calling, and God’s purpose. In one sense, we might say that David’s educational experience in the pursuit of the knowledge of God, was multiplied, expanded in every dimension. However “spiritual” his knowledge of God would be, as he eventually became a tremendous worshiper of Christ, he learned to practically give God access to everything material. We have already seen David’s reaction to the dire circumstance of his family, and those of his men, when they were kidnapped by the Amalekites. He inquired of the Lord. That was the essential thing to do. Even before this episode, when David was fighting the Philistines, he would inquire of the Lord concerning whether he should engage the enemy in a certain place at a certain time. Sometimes God’s answer would not be the same as before, indicating a different time and place. After Saul’s death, David would again “inquire of the Lord,” “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” Not only would he ask God for counsel to go or not, but he would be very specific: “Where shall I go?” (2 Sam. 2:1) God would honor the specific prayer by responding: “Unto Hebron.” Why is it so very important to deliberately give God access to all circumstances where His guidance is essential?
First of all, the answer has to do with our limitations. Jeremiah wrote: “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walks to direct his steps.” (Jer. 10:23) When Jesus was teaching his disciples to pray, He brought this truth to the fore: “Your Father knows what things you have need of BEFORE you ask Him.” (Matt. 6:8) The point is that we are dealing with an omniscient God who sees and knows all things, past, present, and future. He sees beyond the limitations of our “seeing,” and understanding. We are sheep in need of a Shepherd, needing to be led, guided, provided for and sustained. The Apostle Paul deals with this matter also with regard to prayer when he writes: “…Likewise, the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought.” (Romans 8:26) On the one hand, we cannot perceive accurately the needs for which we are to pray, unless we are led by the Spirit. On the other hand, all becomes possible when, with the opportunity, we turn to Christ as our Great Counselor and Shepherd. He is that one who will instruct and teach us in the way we should go, revealing to us the knowledge of His will, giving us the wisdom and knowledge which “…exceeds what we could ask or think.” To place the government upon His shoulders, giving Him access in faith, to the needs at hand, will result in His intervention. He has promised to do so. “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:6) God has not changed since David’s, or Paul’s day. He waits to answer us when we call.
Dear Father, we thank Thee that You have made the Lord Jesus to be “wisdom” to us, (1 Cor. 1:30) for in Him “…are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Col. 2:3) Give us to be those of whom James speaks, those who ask IN FAITH, without doubting, for wisdom, the wisdom from God, concerning the very real and specific need of guidance in our lives. Make our pathways clear, straight, and level, so that with a heart full of faith, we may be enabled to believe Thee for Thy highest blessing, and the true and lasting blessing upon others to whom You send us. We praise and thank Thee, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad