Any story of David inspires me somewhere along my journey of faith. One that has dramatically made a difference was calling on God and asking His input on any decision that I had to make.
David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” The Lord said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” – I Samuel 23:2 NRSV
The entire act of prayer is one of humility – that is for sure – but the practice of listening and hearing God’s voice as David did – that was revolutionary in my life.
You can imagine when you walk in a room and declare that “I have heard from God.” A bit scary because it kind of slants the position of power in the room. I learned quickly that what God shared with me was for my information and that I was to dispense what I knew in love.
For the kingdom of God depends not on talk but on power. What would you prefer? Am I to come to you with a stick, or with love in a spirit of gentleness? – 1 Corinthians 4:20-21 NRSV
And yet, there are moments, when speaking into the lives of others, especially when I am preparing a sermon to deliver to a wide audience on a Sunday morning – I need to remember to speak His Words – they are life, and mine are not.
You shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear; for they are a rebellious house. – Ezekiel 2:7 NRSV
This is actually important stuff – listening to God – what happens if He does not say anything? One story comes to mind right away – Saul refusing to wait for Samuel to give him instructions and blessing for an upcoming battle. He felt so threatened that he went ahead without waiting. David comes back to me again and screams at me – wait, wait I say on the Lord! If I am going to listen, I am going to have to wait for an answer.
But it is for you, O Lord, that I wait;
it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer. – Psalm 38:15 NRSV
Thank you Lord for your gracious patience as I learn to wait. Your grace makes my journey of faith enjoyable, exciting and adventurous. As I continue to learn so much from David’s walk with You, may the moments where I feel I have waited enough or too long, be just that, moments. Instead may my heart rest on the fact that I trust You completely – so my hope is in no other. Amen
Sixty-six books in a year 