When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went down to the stronghold. Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the Lord said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.” And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. (II Samuel 5:17-20 ESV)
The Right Question
David could count how many soldiers the Philistine army fielded, and compare the number with his own troops, and make a decision accordingly.
David could have studied the terrain of the Valley of Rephaim, consider his acquired expertise in the movement of armies, and make a decision accordingly.
David could have held a War Council, consult his Mighty Men, strategize into the wee hours of the morning, and make a decision accordingly.
There is nothing wrong with any of those methods.
But David did a wiser thing. He asked the Lord, “should I go up against the Philistines?”
David knew better than to rely on his own experience. David knew better than to depend on his own knowledge. David knew better than to lean on his own understanding.
EVEN in what might have been an obvious, clear, logical, simple decision.
It is normal for Christians to seek the Lord’s guidance for big complex decisions. But David displays a more thorough relationship with God.
ALWAYS ask the Lord.
Because the Lord knows. The Lord understands. The Lord sees. The Lord loves.
Ask Him.