Inquire of God

And David realized that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and had highly exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.

Now the Philistines had come and raided the Valley of Rephaim. So David inquired of God, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go” replied the Lord, “for I will deliver them into your hand.”

Once again the Philistines raided the valley. So David again inquired of God, who answered him, “Do not march up after them but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.” As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move out to battle, because this will mean that God has marched out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” 1 Chronicles 14: 2,9-10, 13-15 (BSB)

I was recently re-reading the story of David’s acceleration into leadership and was amazed again of his process. I was also very grateful to read about the level of intimacy he shared with God our Father, as I desire to emulate this type of relationship-where every moment of inquiry provides life details that I need for the next phase of my journey, according to His perfect will.

When I read about David, I think of that bible verse written in Zechariah 4:10 that notes “do not despise the day of small beginnings”. If we were to rewind and look back into David’s early part of his life, he was a shepherd, disregarded by his earthly family, but chosen by God who would eventually exalt him to kingship status over all of Israel; God’s beloved nation.

I was thinking about how David’s audience of family, employees, servants, adversaries, naysayers, and allies might have felt or thought as many witnessed the favor that God had for him. But this was not just because he was David. He had a very deep and intimate relationship with God. He talked to God and God answered. God not only answered once, but repeatedly and with different sets of instructions as you see in this scriptural selection. God even specifically told David which trees (balsam trees) and where to stand to attack the Philistines (in front of the balsam trees).

In reading about this type of tree, it would have been easier for David and his army to hide behind them. The balsam tree is an evergreen which according to a blog entitled Balsam Tree Strategy by John Curtis, “balsam is a conifer, an evergreen, which would make good cover but also a tree which would not make much noise even when blown by the wind”. God had very specific directions for David to only attack from the front but to listen out for the “sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees”. Only God’s army would have been able to march on the tops of an evergreen. What magnificent specific instructions and follow through right?

This was reminder for me and I hope for you too, to ask God first,listen intently, and obey. Many times we consult varying resources, which may be great counsel, but He is the chief Counsel of our life, which requires that we inquire of Him first before others. So lets inquire of God like David. If you decide to read more of David’s story, you will see that he “did as God commanded him…” ( verse 16). So not only is asking God essential, but obeying is as important. What God has in mind for us is to be the “head and not the tail” (Deut 28:13), which requires a level of faithfulness and divine obedience so that we will not fail.

Stay Encouraged.

Seek Him. Obey the Call. Complete Your Assignment.