What David Taught Me About Asking the Lord

Have you ever been in seasons of pondering on things but not praying about them? That’s been me lately.

As I have been reading my Bible in chronological order, I am currently in 1 Samuel 23:1–12. This chapter encouraged me so much because it spoke directly to me and reminded me that I needed to do what David did.

The chapter is about David protecting the town of Keilah. It starts with hearing the news of the Philistines stealing grain from the threshing floor at Keilah. (1 Samuel 23:1)

David asks the Lord in prayer, should he go and attack them? (1 Samuel 23:2)

The first observation I notice is to ask the Lord.

How often do we ponder on things, situations, circumstances, hear news, but never stop and ask the Lord what we should do?

We can see in the Scripture that the Lord answered him with, go and save Keilah. God was telling him to take action, not just to save a town, but the people in the town. Men, women, and children. (1 Samuel 23:2)

But David’s men gave a contrasting response to what God had told David to do. They highlighted their negative emotions, fear. Not only were they afraid in Judah, but afraid to go and fight. (1 Samuel 23:3)

What do you do when the Lord has given a response to your prayer and the people around you give a contrasting word?

We are to do like David and go back to the Lord in prayer. Ask the Lord again and wait for His reply.

The Lord responds to David again with, go down to the town and I will help you conquer the Philistines. (1 Samuel 23:4)

The Lord speaks to the fear of the men.

This time, the men and David go as God had commanded and confirmed. Just as the Lord said, David and his men slaughtered the Philistines. (1 Samuel 23:5)

Here are a few of my observations.

• Ask the Lord and ask Him again if you ever receive a contrasting word to what He already said.

• It is okay to ask God questions.

• It has floated around the Christian community that you should not ask God questions. I have learned it is about the questions you ask. Ask the right questions.

• Do not question His sovereignty or His deity, but do ask specific questions to understand the will of God for your life.

  
  

Getting clarity or seeking the Lord before you take action is quite alright.

Be open to listening to God’s directions and then proceed accordingly. It is better to find God’s will first than to make a hasty decision based on how you feel.

To discern the will of God requires that we know His Word and read the Bible. It can take time to discern God’s will. That goes back to not making hasty decisions. Sometimes you may have to wait on God to respond. It is okay to wait.

Lastly, but not least, God can speak through a few ways to you.

• Through His Word

• Through the leading of the Holy Spirit in our hearts

  
  

There will be a part 2 to this blog post, as there is so much more to unpack. But for now, I hope this has blessed you to read that story of David and observe what you can do in your own life.

But most importantly, start praying again. Start seeking God and asking Him the right questions. Be specific. Do not be scared. God can handle your questions. Trust God and trust His Word, He has the answers for you.

When He answers, take action.

Until next time.

With love and prayer,

Calandra Williams

Founder, Majestic Daughters Empowerment

Empowering women to discover their true beauty and power in Jesus Christ