Israel captured the Philistine camp. In desperation, the Philistines attempted another raid. David could have looked at the situation from a human perspective.
Positioned to Hear His Voice | Devotional
Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 5:22–25
key Verse: Psalm 6 2:5
My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.
David had just been anointed king over Israel when the Philistines attacked. The first thing he did was to go to God in prayer and inquire: “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You give them into my hand?” (2 Sam. 5:19 NASB). The Lord affirmed the victory to David.
Israel captured the Philistine camp. In desperation, the Philistines attempted another raid. David could have looked at the situation from a human perspective.
His army easily won the first victory; what was there to stop them from repeating the same action? Plenty, and David knew it.
Joshua failed to seek God at Ai and lost to a much smaller army than the one David faced (Josh. 7:1–12). Making decisions such as that one apart from God invited defeat. David immediately went back to God for the solution.
The Lord told him not to attack the enemy! Instead, he was to wait until he heard the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees. Try to imagine what David felt. He knew the enemy was poised and ready to strike, but he had to wait for God’s timing.
Times of waiting are times of great blessing. When we learn to wait on the Lord, we position ourselves to hear His voice. God’s timing is always perfect. And when you commit yourself to following His lead, you will never be disappointed.
O God, help me wait for Your timing, even when I frantically feel I must do something. I commit myself to follow You. I know I won’t be disappointed.