When in Doubt, Ask!
Today’s Verse:
Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand. ~1 Samuel 23:4
Asking is the basic responsibility in prayer. “Ye have not, because ye ask not.” The unlimited resources of God are ready to be distributed simply by us asking in accordance with His will. Sometimes, we might have to ask more than once. When in doubt, ask!
We see the robbers.
“Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors.” Word came to David of the plight of Keilah. The city of Keilah, which was part of Judah, was targeted for attack by the Philistines, who sought to plunder and pillage the wheat crops and harvest. This would devastate the food supply and place the people of Keilah at the mercy of the Philistines. Satan and the world seek to plunder and steal your fellowship, joy, and spiritual welfare.
We see the request.
“Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.” Instead of relying on his soldier instincts, David asked the Lord if he should go and smite the Philistines. It is always wise to ask the Lord for permission before trying to do something in our own power. God is pleased when we ask up front and wait on Him. Immediately, the Lord answered David and told him to go, smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.
We see the reservations.
“And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” David’s men had less faith than he had. They were afraid that they were too small of a band of men to face a much larger number of enemies. They were afraid of defeat, death, and being taken captive. Their fear, of course, set David back. These men brought second thoughts to David’s mind.
We see the ratification.
So, David asked the Lord again. There are times when, perhaps, due to our insecurity or a doubtful concern that comes to us, we might have to ask the Lord again for His permission. David was being transparent and wanted to be sure that he was not running ahead of God. The Lord, again, told him that he would defeat the Philistines and save Keilah. David asked again so that he would have complete ratification. This was an important step on his part in exemplifying prayerful dependence upon God. His motley band of men saw a man of God seek the Lord in a decision that was bigger than David.
We see the rescue.
“So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah." The Lord gave David and his men complete victory over the Philistines. David saved the people of Keilah. Jesus fought the powers and principalities, and He triumphed over them openly, nailing our sins to His cross. Prayer in accordance with God’s will accomplishes His purpose on earth. "Men ought always to pray." Never underestimate praying over everything in your life. When in doubt, ask the Lord.
Have a prayer-filled God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Numbers 31-32