The word ‘wisdom’ seems to be circling me as of late. As I contemplate, the dependance on my own wisdom and understanding becomes glaringly obvious. Actually, it’s pretty annoying. Knowing the source of wisdom and actually seeking the giver of that wisdom, are two very different things in my world. I have become an expert problem solver, quick to offer solutions that make perfect sense to me. If something makes 100% sense, then it’s most likely not from God. He operates in ways that are beyond our understanding. We say yes to Him before having all of the steps lined out… this is where our faith in God is strengthened.
Towards the end of 2 Samuel chapter 5, we see the newly crowned king David doing what I so desperately want to do naturally, inquiring of the Lord.
19 So David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?”
2 Samuel 5:19, NKJV
And the Lord said to David, “Go up, for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into your hand.”
David is facing the Philistines, a common enemy of his. He inquires of the Lord who gives him direction leading to victory.
Then the Philistines deploy more men to fight against David. Even though David already had a word from the Lord, he inquired of the Lord AGAIN. And it’s a good thing he did, because God’s battle plan changed, but the result was the same… victory.
22 Then the Philistines went up once again and deployed themselves in the Valley of Rephaim 23 Therefore David inquired of the Lord, and He said, “You shall not go up; circle around behind them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees. 24 And it shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall advance quickly. For then the Lord will go out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.”
2 Samuel 5:22-24, NKJV
Sometimes we learn the most about God in situations we understand the least. Seek God, not understanding! It’s important to inquire of the Lord because the battle plan may change, even against the same enemy. Inquiring of the Lord is more important than past victories, even if they were alongside the Lord.
Seek the Lord. And then seek Him again! Do not lean on your own understanding or even yesterday’s move of God. In order to follow God, we must inquire of Him. This is my new daily prayer. Oh that I would naturally seek God instead of relying on my own understanding.