The Heart Journal

Inquire of the Lord (Written by Pastor Ryan)

Read 2 Samuel 5:17-25

“17 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went down to the stronghold. 18 Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim.19 And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the Lord said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.” 20 And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, “The Lord has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim.[c] 21 And the Philistines left their idols there, and David and his men carried them away.

22 And the Philistines came up yet again and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim.23 And when David inquired of the Lord, he said, “You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees. 24 And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the Lord has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” 25 And David did as the Lord commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba to Gezer.Second Samuel chapter 5 has been speaking deeply to me. In this chapter, we see David continually inquiring of the Lord. He didn’t move based on his own wisdom, experience, or strength. He sought God’s counsel and looked to Him for direction.”

Inquire of the Lord

Second Samuel chapter 5 has been speaking deeply to me. In this chapter, we see David continually inquiring of the Lord. He didn’t move based on his own wisdom, experience, or strength. He sought God’s counsel and looked to Him for direction.

When the Philistines gathered against David at Baal Perazim, David asked the Lord if he should go into battle. Then, later in the chapter, he asked God again. David didn’t assume that because God answered one way before, He would always answer the same way. He continued seeking the Lord for every step.

I love that God doesn’t always answer our requests the way we expect, because His ways are always better than ours. God answered David’s prayer in a way that was greater than David could have imagined. He gave him specific instructions: wait until you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then move forward. David listened, and God gave him the victory.

The battle was won because God went before them. David named that place Baal Perazim, meaning “the Lord has broken through,” because he recognized that the victory came from God.

When was the last time you truly inquired of the Lord? When was the last time you prayed about something and refused to stop seeking God until He gave you direction?

Whatever is on your heart, whatever you are facing, whatever decision is before you—seek Him. Seek His counsel. Seek His wisdom. Keep praying, keep trusting, and keep waiting for His answer.

God is still the God who goes before His people and brings breakthrough.