Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 31; 1 Chronicles 10-12; 2 Samuel 1-5, 23;
After Saul and his sons were killed in a battle against the Philistines, David wept. Judah anointed David king. Later, Israel anointed David king and he led them in battle against the Jebusites, capturing Jerusalem which is now known as the City of David. David became more and more powerful – BECAUSE GOD WAS WITH HIM (2 Samuel 5:6-10).
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
Even at night my heart instructs me.
I HAVE SET THE LORD ALWAYS BEFORE ME.
Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken – Psalm 16:7-8
Next the Philistines came in an effort to capture David. Now David knew his victories were not because he was a great man but because he served a great God, so he went to the Lord for direction:
So David asked the Lord, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?”
Then the Lord replied to David, “Yes, go ahead. I will certainly hand them over to you.”
So David went to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there.
“The Lord did it!” David exclaimed. “He burst through my enemies like a raging flood!”
So he named that place Baal-perazim (which means “The Lord who bursts through”) – 2 Sam. 5:19-20
While Israel’s first reaction was to celebrate what David had accomplished, David’s first reaction was to celebrate what God had done! He recognized his human abilities vs. the powerful and mighty strength of the God who called him. David knew that once again the battle belonged to the Lord and not to him.
But after a while the Philistines returned and again spread out across the valley of Rephaim. And again David asked the Lord what to do. “Do not attack them straight on,” the Lord replied. “Instead, circle around behind and attack them near the poplar trees. When you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees, be on the alert! That will be a signal that the Lord is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistine army.” So David did what the Lord commanded, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. – 2 Sam. 5:22-25
Do you hear it? Do you hear the sound of the Lord moving ahead of you? A few days ago we talked about our tendency to sometimes move ahead of God, but isn’t it great to know He is always moving ahead of us?!! Whatever is ahead of you, inquire of the Lord – ask God for wisdom and direction. Then listen closely to the sound of our great and powerful God going before you, prepared to fight your battles for you. That is the kind of God David served and that is the same God we serve – Praise His name!
I will instruct you and teach you in THE WAY YOU SHOULD GO;
I will counsel you and watch over you – Psalm 32:8
Lead me in the RIGHT PATH, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me.
Make YOUR WAY plain for me to follow. – Psalm 5:8
The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for the living. – Psalm 19:7-8
O Lord, I give my life to you.
I trust in you, my God!
Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.
No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,
but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.
Show me the RIGHT PATH, O Lord;
point out the ROAD FOR ME TO FOLLOW.
Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you.
Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love,
which you have shown from long ages past.
Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.
Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord.
Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.
Remember in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord.
The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the PROPER PATH to those who go astray.
He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them HIS WAY.
THE LORD LEADS with unfailing love and faithfulness
all who keep his covenant and obey his commands. – Psalm 25:1-10
Teach me how to live, O Lord.
Lead me along THE RIGHT PATH… – Psalm 26:11a
Put your hope in the Lord.
Travel steadily along HIS PATH. – Psalm 37:34a