Foundations Week 17, Day 2

Scripture Read: 2 Samuel 3:1; 5; Psalm 23
Title: David Inquires of the LORD
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H.E.A.R. Entry
(H) Highlight verse:  "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 hands.'"  2 Samuel 5:19

(E) Explain:  David was anointed king over Israel by the elders of Israel at Hebron. and he reigned for 40 years.  David became more powerful and the LORD was with him.  He began as a king who ruled and reigned under the authority and blessing of God.  However, we see in his rise to power he begins to slip morally as he takes on concubines and wives.  This may have been a custom, but it was never God's intended purpose for humanity.  I think this was put smack dab in the middle of this chapter to let the reader know that David was a powerful and obedient king, but he also did not take the necessary precautions to set up accountability around him.
Regardless, the main point of this passage, I believe, is to show that God was with David and how he depended on God as he ruled and reigned as king.  We read twice (2 Sam. 5:19 & 5:23) that David inquires of the LORD before entering into battle.  Inquiring of God is a great discipline that David has as he doesn't just rashly go into battle for the sake of battle, he seeks the counsel of God about what he should do.  

(A) Application:   David was a powerful and great king only because God was with him.  Although we will see in future passages that David was far from a perfect man or king, he was a man and a king who was dependant on God.  David did not make impetuous decisions as a king, he inquired of the LORD before going into battle.  
We can learn much about David's wisdom in seeking God when making a big decision.  I believe we would all benefit greatly if we would seek God's counsel in all matters of life, and not necessarily just the "big decisions".​  This is why prayer and quiet time with the LORD is important for believers today.  During our quiet time we should and can inquire of the LORD about ALL matters of our lives.  I know I have the tendency to be obsessive in making decisions and I would benefit greatly if I would just take the time to inquire of the LORD and seek his counsel when I am making decisions or just doing life.  I encourage all of us to take time everyday to simply inquire of God and ask him what He wants us to do in our lives.

(R) Respond: LORD, I am completely dependent on you in my life.  There are, however, times when I feel like I need to take the reigns of my life and do what I want to do and ignore what you want me to do.  Help me to be humble and wise enough to inquire of you in my everyday life and decisions.