Today's reading

So David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” And the Lord said to David, “Go up, for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into your hand.” –2 Samuel 5:19 NKJV

August 28, 2020

Ask God First, Not Last

So David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” And the Lord said to David, “Go up, for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into your hand.” –2 Samuel 5:19 NKJV

As a boy under the night skies and open fields, David protected his father’s sheep. After defeating Goliath, David moved from the fields to the courts of Israel’s king. Due to his victory over Goliath—a victory where many more qualified men stood on the sidelines watching—David was elevated to lead Israel’s military campaigns.Second Samuel 5 tells of some of David’s battles after he became king of Israel. King David’s enemies were no longer bears, wolves, or a large giant; instead, he faced a ruthless Philistine army intent on taking back their territory. The Philistines tried to take David out multiple times. Yet when faced with the Philistine army, the first thing David did was ask God for advice, “Shall I go up against the Philistines?” (2 Samuel 5:19 NKJV). Each time God honored his request and gave him new instructions for the battle, and the enemy was defeated.The devil is not dumb; he just finds new ways to deceive and destroy. When we are faced with the enemy’s attacks, let us not rely on our own knowledge and strength. The one thing we can always do the same is to first ask God for wisdom!

prayer focuses

Holy Spirit, keep me ever watchful.

Let me not become complacent in my relationship with You. Help me not depend on how I “always do things.” Fill me with Your faith and help me to ask You how You would like me to solve each problem.

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about the

Author

Gloria Shrock

Gloria, a registered nurse, is blessed with two adult daughters and six grandchildren. She loves going on mission trips with her husband, Randall, reading the Word, and journaling what the Holy Spirit speaks to her.