1 Samuel 23:1-2 Seek God’s Advice

When David was told, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are looting the threshing floors,” he inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” The LORD answered him, “Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” 1 Samuel 23:1-2 

When people become very good at something or are very successful in an area, they become very confident of themselves. Until that point, most people are nervous and seek guidance and help. Once confident, however, they no longer seek advice or direction, they just go about doing things on their own as they think it should be done.

Pride rises up in self and prevents many people from seeking guidance or help. They are now ‘successful’ and no longer need anyone’s guidance or help.

David had become a great warrior, who was successful in every battle. He did not lose. Yet, when it came to fighting a battle, David would seek God’s advice as to what to do. He would not take the battle into his own hands, but left it up to God. God was allowed to make the decision of who to fight against and who to leave alone.

Believers can sometimes fall into this trap of thinking that they can do things on their own. God has given them success in an area of their life, so they now think that they can do it all on their own without God.

It is at this point that many will choose paths that God does not want them to choose. Opportunities will be passed up or deviation from God’s path will occur.

No matter how successful a person may be, he must realize that it is only because of God’s mercy, grace and direction. Without following God’s ways, one cannot please God. One might be successful for a short time, but in the end will fall short, because He is not really following God.

Every time that you have a decision to be made, stop and take the time to seek God’s direction in it. Do not be so self-confident that you do not include God in your decision making process.

God knows what the best action to do is better than you could ever possibly know. Let God make the choices for you in your life. There will be times when God says move forward, while other times He may change your direction or stop you altogether.

Seek and trust God’s advice in your life.

I pray today that you will seek God’s advice; that you will trust God’s directions; that you will not put all your confidence in yourself or others; and that you will see God’s hand at work in your life.