(The Practice of) Seeking God.

Memory Verse: "And David enquired of the LORD...And when David enquired of the LORD, he said..." (2 Sam.5:19,23, KJV)

Scripture Reading: 2 Sam.5:17-25.

David made this enquiry when he was about to go and fight the Philistines. Even though the Philistines came up in great hosts, but, by the help of God (which was secured by seeking His face), David easily put them to flight. 

Note, however, that when they came a second time, David did not go up to fight them without enquiring from the Lord. Once he had been victorious, and he might have said, as many have in other cases, "I shall be victorious again; I may rest quite sure that if I have conquered once, I shall triumph yet again. Wherefore should I tarry to seek God's face?"

But not this David. He had gained one battle by the strength of the Lord; he would not venture upon another until he had ensured the same. He enquired, "Shall I go up to the Philistines?" (See v.19). He waited until God spoke.

Friends, like David, take no step without seeking God's face. 

Do NOT let anyone or anything put you under the pressure of taking a step (no matter how small) if you have not sought the face of God concerning the issue at hand. It will save you a whole lot of pain, headache and drama.

Sweetheart, if you will know the path of duty, take God for your compass, if you would steer your ship through the dark billows, put the tiller into the hand of the Almighty. Many a rock might be escaped, if we would let our Father take the helm; many a shoal or quicksand we might well avoid, if we would leave to his sovereign will to choose and to command.

The Puritan said, "As sure as ever the Christian carves for himself, he'll cut his own fingers." This is a great truth. Another truth has it that, "He that goes before the cloud of God's providence goes on a fool's errand." And so he does. We must mark God's providence leading us; and if providence tarries, tarry till providence comes. He who goes before providence, will be very glad to run back again. The words of my Father in Is.48:17 says it all, "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go." That is His promise to His people and I tell you, no promise is 'surer' than that.

Ponder Point: Every genuine enquiry is accompanied by the voice of God.

Action Point: Imbibe the practice of seeking God before making decisions.

Prayer Point: Lord, we wait at Your feet, presenting all our questions and perplexities seeking Your direction. We ask that You speak Your mind to our hearts. And we promise to wait to hear what You will say to us and we connect with the grace to walk in the light of Your voice in Jesus name, Amen.