Seek God, Listen and Obey

Bible Reading

• 2 Samuel 5
• Psalm 52
• Psalm 54

Devotional Thoughts

When, or how often do you seek God’s guidance? I certainly seek him when I am trouble, or when I have a big decision to make. But, in the mundane of life, day to day, moment to moment, I do so many things without acknowledging him, or even thinking of Him for a lot of the time.

In 2 Sam 5:17-25 I believe we get small glimpse into David’s daily life (at least in the early days while God was still establishing his throne). It seems David had the regular habit of seeking God, hearing God, and obeying God!.. and then giving the credit back to God for the victory.

In 2 Sam 5:19 David asks God’s advice. The way it’s written, it’s like David was talking to one of his advisors. “What do you think? Should I go up against them?” But, David had such confidence in God that he believed his enemies were under God’s power, and only if God allowed, or only if God gave them over to Him, would he be able to defeat them. David asks God, just just, “Am I able to defeat them, but instead, “Will YOU give them into my hand?”

Not only is my life in God’s hands, but the activity, the power/strength of my enemies is in God’s hands too! And he wields their wills and their plans, as He desires.

Interesting that David not only sought God’s advice, he believed God to be sovereign and victory lay completely in God’s hands! So, when victory came, David didn’t take the credit for it at all. He was quick to say, “The Lord did it!” (2 Sam 5:20).

When David asks the Lord again, (2 Sam 5:23-25) this time, God gives him a different answer. “Do not attack them straight on,” the Lord replied. “Instead, circle around behind…” Because David trusted God without wavering, he did as the Lord directed!

I love what David said in Ps 54:4-6 “God is my helper. The Lord keeps me alive! May the evil plans of my enemies be turned against them. I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you; I will praise your name O Lord, for it is good.”

In Ps 52:8-9 even after David hear’s of Doeg’s betrayal and the death of all the priests (1 Sam 22:6-19) as a result of David seeking the priest for refuge, David is able to say, “I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God… I will always trust in God’s unfailing love. I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people.”

Declarations

• Today I acknowledge that everything is under your control. There is nothing that will touch my life that you have not planned.
• You desire for me to live in relationship with you. You stand constantly ready for me to seek you. You have everything in your hands. You want me to seek you, then listen to your answer.
• I want to be constantly available, and instantly obedient! Just hands that you use to do your work, a mouth through which you speak your words, eyes and ears through which you see the needs around me.