So David did as God commanded him, and they drove back the army of the Philistines from Gibeon as far as Gezer. Then the fame of David went out into all lands, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations. (1 Chronicles 14:16-17 NKJV)
Young King David was constantly seeking God’s directions and guidance. He refused to go to war without consulting God first. If God told him to attack, he’d do so with courage. When God would tell him to hold back and wait for His signal, David trusted and obeyed. When he lived in that faith, he won every battle. He lived in the conviction that he could do nothing without the leadership of the Commander of the armies of heaven.
It’s so simple, and what God expects from all His children. Nothing should be ventured without hearing from Him first. Our problem is that we drown out the voice of God with our busy lives to such a degree that when we do ask Him to speak, we’re completely deaf. If we’re honest, we usually don’t like His voice because He prods us to do what’s uncomfortable or scary. Many Christians even feel anger when God urges them to give more of themselves, to hold back from controlling behavior and simply trust, or to be open hearted to people who don’t deserve it. They feel offended that God would ask them to give up their fleshly instincts, and insist that it couldn’t possibly be God speaking. If you react with contempt towards the prompting of God and His word, what right do you have to moan that God feels so far away?
King David had the humility to ask God what to do when vicious enemies surrounded him before moving an inch. How easy was that for a skilled warrior who knew that strategies and timing were of the essence when it came to warfare? David’s faith was more than just words. He was willing to risk the lives of his army, and even his nation, to do only what God commanded. He became the greatest king and hero of the nation of Israel of all time, not just by his skill or courage, but in his humility to let God lead.
How about us? God speaks to us through His word and through His servants, but we squirm when it rubs us the wrong way. If you’ve been thinking that God doesn’t speak to you, just write down all the uncomfortable messages in church you’ve been trying to ignore lately. If they’re based on the Bible, then that’s probably been His voice. Think about how many days have slipped by without purposefully talking to Him or listening without distractions. He does speak and He will speak, the question is, do you have the courage and humility to obey?
God caused fear and respect to come on the hearts of all the kings around David. When you attune your ears to God, obey Him and even do what makes you squirm, God Himself will cause your adversaries to have respect for you and give you honor.
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