Today's Scripture: 1 Samuel 24-26
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I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. - Proverbs 4:11
When Saul entered the cave where David and his men were hiding, David's men reminded him this was what they had all longed for--a wide-open door to the throne of Israel. With Saul at their mercy, how easy it would have been to misinterpret the promises and the providence of God. David took guidance by two things: First, his belief that Saul was the Lord's anointed. God had made Saul king, and God would have to remove him. Second, David was restrained by a proverb of the ancients, "From evildoers come evil deeds." He depended on God to avenge the wrongs done to him by Saul.
It's easy to mistake circumstances for the will of God. Just because events fall into place that enable us to do something doesn't necessarily mean God wants us to do it.
Some years ago I was planning a preaching tour through Asia, and we were praying for the Lord to show us if my wife Virginia should go. During this process, a friend heard of the situation and sent Virginia a signed blank check with a note that said: "Why not?" We had the invitation, the money, and the desire. After several weeks of praying, Virginia still didn't have peace in the matter. She tore up the check, thanked our friend for his kindness, and wrote the people overseas that she would not be coming.
I believe the key to knowing God's guidance is for us to saturate our lives with the wisdom of the Word of God. Then, when we are faced with a decision, the blessed Holy Spirit of God can guide us with the Word we have laid up in our hearts.
Prayer
Lord, You have called me to have eyes of faith. Help me not to always equate the circumstances of my life with Your perfect will. Amen.
To Ponder
In discerning the will of God, circumstances are much less important than the Word of our Father in heaven.
When Saul entered the cave where David and his men were hiding, David's men reminded him this was what they had all longed for--a wide-open door to the throne of Israel. With Saul at their mercy, how easy it would have been to misinterpret the promises and the providence of God. David took guidance by two things: First, his belief that Saul was the Lord's anointed. God had made Saul king, and God would have to remove him. Second, David was restrained by a proverb of the ancients, "From evildoers come evil deeds." He depended on God to avenge the wrongs done to him by Saul.
It's easy to mistake circumstances for the will of God. Just because events fall into place that enable us to do something doesn't necessarily mean God wants us to do it.
Some years ago I was planning a preaching tour through Asia, and we were praying for the Lord to show us if my wife Virginia should go. During this process, a friend heard of the situation and sent Virginia a signed blank check with a note that said: "Why not?" We had the invitation, the money, and the desire. After several weeks of praying, Virginia still didn't have peace in the matter. She tore up the check, thanked our friend for his kindness, and wrote the people overseas that she would not be coming.
I believe the key to knowing God's guidance is for us to saturate our lives with the wisdom of the Word of God. Then, when we are faced with a decision, the blessed Holy Spirit of God can guide us with the Word we have laid up in our hearts.
Prayer
Lord, You have called me to have eyes of faith. Help me not to always equate the circumstances of my life with Your perfect will. Amen.
To Ponder
In discerning the will of God, circumstances are much less important than the Word of our Father in heaven.
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