Ask First

Throughout the books of first and second Samuel, David usually asked God first before he made a particular move. If enemies reared their ugly heads against him, he would pray something like, “God, should I go up against these people?” and God would give him a yea or nay.

Well, in II Samuel 7, David thought about the fact that he was living in a gorgeous home, but the ark of God dwelt in a tent. He discussed with Nathan the prophet the idea of building a house for God. At first, Nathan thought it was a great idea too. Then God stepped in. God told Nathan to tell David not to start that building project. David’s son would do that. David was to just keep on doing what God had called him to do, namely, to conquer lands and subdue Israel’s enemies.

There was nothing inherently wrong with David’s idea to build God a house. The problem was that it was not what God wanted him to do, so God checked him through Nathan the prophet. It’s interesting that after this, David goes to war and makes decisions and it’s not recorded as much to see David stopping to ask God first before he proceeds. Just three chapters later, David commits the sin with Bathsheba which essentially toppled his influence from then on. Could it be that although David went on doing what God wanted him to do, he was sulking over the fact that God nixed his building plans? Perhaps David avoided close contact with God because what God called him to do was not what he really wanted to be doing. And then that separation from God led David in the only direction he could have gone–down the wrong path, the path that indulged his own desires over God’s.

 Proverbs 16:9 says, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps” (NKJ). May the Lord keep us heading in the right direction as we remain open to allowing Him to check our every idea and give us clear direction as to exactly what He wants us to do.

Listen: Read Proverbs 16:9

Reflect: What are your plans? Have you checked with God to see that your plans align with His plans for your life?

Pray: Ask God to clearly show you how to align your plans with His, even if that means throwing your plans out and starting all over by managing the job He wants you to do.

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