“Then David asked the LORD, “Should I chase after this band of raiders? Will I catch them?” (1 Samuel 30:8)

‘Wait David!’ someone might ask. ‘Your town is burned, your women are taken as slaves, your sons and daughters, young and old too, and you still need to inquire from God?’ That would be a natural response. In Genesis 34, when the sons of Jacob heard their sister Dinah was violated in Shechem, they were enraged. They devised a sinister scheme, and “two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, took their swords and attacked the unsuspecting city, killing every male.” Their actions brought further chaos for Jacob.

David, as difficult as it was and as discouraged as his men were, inquired of the Lord. It was a treasure of David’s character, seeking the Lord’s wisdom. Proverbs 21:31 says: “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord.” Psalms 3:8 also says: “Victory belongs to the Lord! May your blessing rest on your people.” God assured David that he would recover not some, not most, but “you will surely recover everything.”

When Nehemiah stood saddened before King Artaxerxes (Nehemiah 2), the king inquired what was wrong and he told the king. Then the king asked Nehemiah: “What do you want?” In that very moment, Nehemiah still prayed before responding. “Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king…” (Nehemiah 2:4-5). The fruit of self-control. Oh the blessing and favour of God that calms any storms and brings His rest upon us as we seek Him faithfully and patiently. Amen.

BeEncouraged❤️ Freely received. Freely share