2 Samuel 3-6
"David Inquired of the LORD"

When news reached the Philistines of Israel's acceptance of David as king, they sought to move against him quickly. In chapter 5:17, upon hearing of their intents, David spied out their strength himself. David must have been uncertain and sought peace of mind as to what to do. 2 Samuel 5:19 tells us, "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."

One of the phrases found over and over again in the life of David is found in v. 19-"And David inquired of the LORD..." David proved himself to be a man who, in most times of uncertainty, turned to the LORD for guidance. He did this when he saved an Israelite village from the Philistines (1 Samuel 23:2); when the Amalekites took his family (1 Samuel 30:8); and when he hoped to return to Judah (2 Samuel 2:1) to establish his rule. He established in his life the pattern of a man who wanted to know the LORD's intent. A man who knew he could not navigate his way through life alone, and who looked to his Master, the all-powerful, all knowing, alone wise ruler of the universe.

It may be, too, that he keenly remembered the mistakes of his forefather, Joshua. When he failed to consult God before attacking the city of Ai (Joshua 8), Israel was defeated; when he didn't seek God's guidance regarding the Gibeonites (Joshua 9), he soon discovered he made a foolish mistake.

Godly people in scripture were consistently people who sought guidance from God. People understood the words of Jeremiah 10:23, "I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps."

What of you? Are you keenly interested day after day in the LORD's direction? Are you grateful to for the open ear and ready advice of David's all-powerful, all-knowing, alone wise ruler of the universe? Since God does not speak to us directly today, to where do we turn for His instruction? "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible has been given to us by God as our source of divine training. It is through the Bible that He speaks to us and trains us in what is right and good. In the Bible, God informs us how to have a rewarding life that leads to an eternal life. In the Bible, He instructs us in things of everlasting value. If we want to inquire of the LORD today, the source of instruction is not far from any of us. Make God's word your friend today.