Topic: Ask God First
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 30, 31, Luke 17:20-37.
“And David enquired at the Lord , saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them , and without fail recover all.” 1 Samuel 30:8 KJVS
The world is filled with troubles and challenges that one is tempted to take actions spontaneously severally as a result of pressure. In 1 Samuel 30: 1- 18, part of our bible reading today, David came back to his place of residence after three days only to find his town burnt down and everything belonging to him and his army taken away! They were so devastated that the army that saw how David had decapitated all his enemies in the past did not give him any chance. Rather they were considering stoning David to death! These are the same people who had been distressed, indebted and/or discontented but groomed by David (1 Sam 22:2 ). But they did not consider his past exploits and favour! This was enough to further deject David but he encouraged himself in the Lord. The Scripture says in 1 Samuel 30:8 (KJV), “And David enquired at the Lord , saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them , and without fail recover all.”
He went to the Lord to seek his face and God answered him. Whatever situation you may be facing, call on God and ask for his direction. He said in Luke 11:10 (KJV), “For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” He will surely show you the way. This assurance is stated in Proverbs 3:6 (KJV), “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
If he did not answer you like the case of Saul in 1 Samuel 28:6 (KJV), “And when Saul enquired of the Lord , the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.” Then recognise that you might have sinned against Him and begin to ask for mercy. Seek for his mercy even if it takes so long, he will answer. In Luke 11:8, Jesus taught that persistence will yield result, so be persistent in your request. Seeking the face of the Lord will therefore entail, thanking him for all he has done and will do for you, praising him, seeking for his mercy and presenting your requests to him. He will answer you as long as you can tarry in the place of prayer having atoned for your sins!
It is worth noting that when David enquired and he followed the direction of God, he was able to recover all that he and his army had lost. You will recover all the blessings that you had lost in the past in Jesus name.
Action point:
Ask God for direction on any challenging situation facing you at this moment and he will show you what to do.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero