SCRIPTURE: 1 Chronicles 14
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
The Philistines arrived and made a raid in the valley of Rephaim. So David asked God, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?” The Lord replied, “Yes, go ahead. I will hand them over to you.” [1 Chronicles 14:9-10]
Do you get instructions from the Lord as clearly as David did?
Today’s reading shows that David was serious about seeking and following the Lord’s direction; compare this to the assessment of Saul, who did not seek the Lord’s direction but consulted with a medium [1 Chronicles 10:13].
David was serious about doing what God wanted Him to do; and God blessed David and gave him success.
I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. [John 5:19]
Jesus is the ultimate King in the line of David, and He also has this same desire- to do only what the Father shows Him to do.
We know that it was Jesus’ daily practice to spend time alone with God [Mark 1:35]; it was in this time that He received His direction and strength from God.
Jesus also promises that the Spirit of God in us will teach and direct us in how to follow Him [John 14:26].
I have never heard the Lord’s voice, but I have often sensed the Lord’s direction.
The voice of Jesus as I have heard it has been the quiet whisper of His Spirit in my spirit, prompting, encouraging, warning, rebuking.
And yes, His guidance has been very specific: call this person, ask that person how they are doing, look up this passage, don’t go in there, etc.
At first I did not pay attention to these impressions, but experience is showing me again and again that they are valid, that they are the Lord.
In order to discern His voice, we need to be serious about listening for it.
Do you spend time alone with Him, getting to know His heart and His purpose through reading the Bible, talking with Him about what you read?
I am convinced that it you are serious about hearing Him, and you spend the time getting to know what His heart and purpose, you will hear Him more easily, more clearly.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to be like You (and David), serious about hearing and following Your voice!
David inquired of God what to do. How often before I make decisions in my daily life do I stop and pray and tal with God which way I should go?
Living in His presence is one thing, but talking to Him, inquiring of Him of my actions is another. I need to spend more time persoally with Him in the busyness of the day so I do not get lost in the activity, in the busyness, but understanding and seeing His leading and guiding me along the way. Reminds me of Enoch – a man who walked and talked with God just as Adam did in the garden. I must do that.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.