Don't Rush Into Things
In my last post, I discussed the importance of keeping an eye out for the enemy. Today, I'd like to look at what we should do when the enemy attacks or when facing any decision. We're using II Samuel 5 as our key passage for this series, so let's look at how David responded to the Philistines' attack.
“But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the hold. The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. And David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the Lord said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.”
Would you like to know the key to David's many successes? It's found in a single phrase in the verses above: David enquired of the Lord. He didn't rush into the situation. He didn't allow his emotions to dictate his actions. He didn't consult his counselors or soldiers. Before David did anything, he sought the Lord. And if we want success in life, we should learn to do the same.
David was an experienced soldier and leader. He could have decided on his own. This wasn't the first time the Philistines had invaded. He knew what to do. Maybe there was even a part of him that reacted with a comment like, "Let's go make these guys sorry they picked a fight with us." But David understood that God's ways aren't our ways. What makes sense to us isn't always right, and what seems logical may very well lead us into a heap of trouble.
Am I the only one who struggles with this? I know God is all-knowing, and His ways are perfect. I know He knows what's best for me. Yet, when facing a decision, I want to rush headlong into the problem without stopping to seek God's direction. Why do I do that? Haven't I learned to not lean on my own understanding? You would think so after a particular incident last week.
As I finished the dishes a few days back, I noticed we were out of paper towels in the kitchen. I threw away the empty roll and went to the storage closet where we keep the extra rolls of paper products. I promptly grabbed a three-pack of Puffs tissues, ripped off the plastic wrapper, removed a single box, opened that box, closed the closet door, and returned to the kitchen. As I lifted the box toward the paper towel holder, a realization hit me like a ton of bricks: I went to the closet for paper towels and came back with a box of tissues. For a moment, I stared at the towel holder in confusion, then I burst out laughing, shook my head, summoned my inner Charlie Brown (Good grief!), and returned to the storage closet.
I wish I could say that was a rare event, but it seems I do that stuff all the time. I forget things. I get easily confused. I walk into a room and struggle to remember why I'm there. And I mess up. . .alot. I often wonder if my brain is broken! I know this about me, and while it frustrates the life out of me, I've come to accept it. So why, oh why, would I trust my solutions over the Lord's? Why would I rush into things without seeking counsel from the One who knows all, sees all, hears all, and understands all?
Friends, if you want 2021 to be the best it can be, don't rush into things. Seek the Lord. Ask for his advice. Allow Him to lead and guide you in every decision, no matter how big or small. And then, when He gives you an answer, trust it. Don't question. Don't complain. Don't try to figure it out. Just go with it. Trust and obey. It really is the only way. Just ask David.
Tissue, anyone?
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.”
“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!”