Shall I Go? Will You Give?

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 4-5

Scripture Focus: David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?”(2 Samuel 5.19)

Devotional Thought: A house next to our church property was being auctioned. We thought it was a "no-brainer" for us to get it. We paused, however, and asked the Lord to direct us. The church met and voted. When we went to the auction, we were prepared to bid up to $41,000. We were outbid. We did not press the issue, but left it in the Lord’s hands. We had asked “Shall I?” and had received our answer: “Not now.” We concluded it was not the time and place for us to act.

David faced something of a "no-brainer" early in his reign. Before acting, however, he “went down to the stronghold.” Aren’t you glad for the Stronghold! When the enemy comes against us, the Lord is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in the day of trouble!

There, before the Lord, David asked two things:

· Shall I go? David wanted to be certain that God was leading him. Though it seemed obvious what he needed to do, he did not want to assume that this was the time and place for him to act. So too with us: when we are faced with “obvious” decisions – so-called no-brainers – we need to pause and let God direct us.

· Will you give? Not only did David want to know his part, he wanted to know what God would do. That’s always a good thing for us to know, isn’t it? Working in partnership with God, we know his promises are certain! When we have a clear idea of what God will do, we are able to work with confidence and faith and boldness.

Oh, about the house... Six months later, we were able to purchase that very property for $13,000! The Lord is good!

Prayer: Lord, your ways are not our ways and your thoughts are not our thoughts. Help us always to "go to the stronghold" so that we will know what we are to do and what you will do. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 100.1-5

1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!

3 Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!

5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.