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Morning and Evening

February 9, Morning

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"And David enquired of the Lord." — 2 Samuel 5:23 · KJV

When David made this inquiry he had just fought the Philistines and won a signal victory. They had come up in great numbers, but by God's help David easily put them to flight. Notice, however, that when they came a second time, David did not go up to fight without inquiring of the Lord. Having once been victorious, he might have said, as many do, "I shall win again; surely, if I conquered once, I shall triumph again. Why linger to seek the Lord's guidance?" Not so David. He had gained one battle by the strength of the Lord, and he would not venture on another until he had made sure of the same help. He asked, "Shall I go up against them?" and waited until God's sign was given. Learn from David to take no step without God. Christian, if you would know the path of duty, take God for your compass; if you would steer your ship through the dark waves, put the tiller into the hand of the Almighty. Many a rock might be avoided if we let our Father take the helm; many a shoal or quicksand we might escape if we left the choice and the command to His sovereign will. As one Puritan said, "As sure as a Christian carves for himself, he will cut his own fingers" — and that is a great truth. Another old writer said, "He who goes before the cloud of God's providence goes on a fool's errand" — and so he does. We must watch God's providence leading us; and if providence delays, we must wait till it comes. He who runs ahead of providence will be very glad to run back again. "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go" is God's promise to His people. Let us, then, take all our perplexities to Him and say, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" Do not leave your room this morning without inquiring of the Lord.