Morning, February 9, edited from Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening

“David inquired of the Lord.” — 2 Samuel 5:23

When David made this inquiry, he had just fought the Philistines, and gained a noteworthy victory. The Philistines came up in great armies, but, by the help of God, David had easily put them to flight. Note, however, that when they came a second time, David did not go up to fight them without inquiring of the Lord. Once he had been victorious, and he might have said, as many have in other cases, “I shall be victorious again; I may rest quite assured that if I have conquered once I shall triumph yet again. Why should I take time to seek from the Lord’s hands?” But David was not of that mind. He had gained one battle by the strength of the Lord; he would not venture upon another until he had ensured the same. He inquired, “Shall I go up against them?” He waited until God’s sign was given. Learn from David to take no step without God. Christian, if you wish to know the path of duty, take God for your compass; if you would steer your ship through the dark, raging ocean, put the tiller into the hand of the Almighty. If we would let our Father take the helm many a rock might be avoided; we might well evade many a shoal or sandbar, if we would leave the choice and command to his sovereign will. The Puritan said, “As sure as ever a Christian carves for himself, he’ll cut his own fingers;” this is a great truth. Said another old theologian, “He that goes before the cloud of God’s providence goes on a fool’s errand;” and so he does. We must mark God’s providence— His foreseeing direction and provision— leading us; and if providence tarries, tarry until providence comes. He who goes ahead of providence, will be very glad to run back again. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go,” is God’s promise to his people. Let us, then, take all our puzzlement to him, and say, “Lord, what would you have me to do?” Do not leave not your room this morning without inquiring of the Lord.