1 Samuel 23:4
“Once again David inquired of the Lord, and the Lord answered him”
In everything, the good and bad, the ups and downs, let prayer do the heavy lifting. Don’t think you know best, don’t try and throw the weight and decisions of the day on your shoulders and think you’re living fine and easy with this backpack of rocks dragging behind you.
Maybe it seems easy and you’re not bothered. Maybe having your hands gripped on the steering wheel is exactly how you want it and having control gives you the peace you need. I get it. I’ve been there. But let me share a little something that rocks me and just might rock you.
David. King David. This man was royalty and he faced all kinds of obstacles before he landed his appointed seat on the throne. He was chased by Saul, sought after to be killed. He had some massive stumbles (adultery and murder), which he learned from. He was most likely filled with knowledge and had the ability to take control of his life and handle the ups and downs, leaving God in the passenger seat to watch. But, he never did.
It’s recorded nine times that David inquired of the Lord. Even when things were easy, I bet he could have grabbed the wheel and steered the car of his life in a decent direction, but even with his knowledge gained from experience, even with his understanding of leading an army and ruling a people, he inquired of the Lord. If David inquired of the Lord, over and over again, how much more should we?
It’s said that he was a man after God’s heart, he longed to know where the Lord desired him to be. He didn’t want to drive the car of his life, make choices in his own power. He wanted to sit shotgun, singing along to radio tunes with Jesus and trust in the way God led him.
“But how do I know, how do I hear from the Lord? I ask, ask, ask, but it’s silent on the other end.”
I hear this so often. And if you’re asking this same questions, frustrated that God doesn’t speak. I’d like to present an idea to you.
What’s the bible? It’s God’s word. Literally, the bible is constructed of stories and moments when God spoke. Do you want to hear God speak, answer the questions you’re asking, grow closer to him? Read the bible. Read God’s word.
Do you pray constantly? Do you sit quietly before God and refrain from chatting for just a few minutes? It takes practice. Hearing the voice of God requires us to practice being still and focused on who he is and how he longs to grow near to us. Keep coming before him and listening.
Take time and open your bible, pray and wait, and watch as your inquiring of the Lord turns into so much more.