Ask God First
Many times we get to crossroads, very critical points in our lives that we need to make decisions and the way forward looks blank. At such moments what do you do? Who do you ask first for directions? Who gives you counsel? What informs your decisions? Do you make decisions based on instinct, past experiences, friendly counsel or a habit of looking heavenwards for direction? Then Jehoshaphat added, “But first let’s find out what the LORD says.” (I Kings 22:5 NLT).
David was a man who never failed to inquire of the Lord before taking any important decision in his time. This was a habit cultivated from experience; many years and instances of walking with God and trusting Him for direction. You have to work at it and keep doing it. It doesn’t come naturally as we may want to think. In a particular instance, David inquired of the Lord twice concerning the same enemy and he got different instructions each time he asked (1 Chro. 14: 8-16). We can never pre-empt or predict God! The most assured way of getting the best from God is to keep asking Him for direction at every point along the way. Many at times, we ask God for direction for some decisions and leave Him out of the rest. We feel we could handle those decisions on our own. The book of Proverbs advises us against such folly “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.” (Proverbs 3: 5-7).
One thing that struck me with David was that he did whatever the Lord asked him to do whether it made sense or not. David understood over time that God’s foolishness is wiser than man’s wisdom … 1 Cor. 1: 25. No wonder Mary, the mother of Jesus sought Him first after the wine finished at the marriage in Cana and then told the servants ”Whatever He says to you, do it.” (John 2: 1-5).
Today as you go out, choose to do things differently. Purpose in your heart to ask God first and whatever He tells you to do, do it! Then you will experience success in all your endeavors like David and drink of the best wine like the marriage guests at Cana.
Blessings!
City of David – perfecting the saints for service (Eph. 4:12)