Hearing His Voice #183

David asked the LORD, “Should I chase after this band of raiders? Will I catch them?” And the LORD told him, “Yes, go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you!”

1 Samuel 30:8

It should have been obvious to David that God was on his side. David had inquired about attacks before, and would surely inquire again. If anyone had a right to assume a yes from God, David did. And in this case it wasn’t simply a strategy decision; a horrible injustice had been done. Of course God would want David to pursue the raiders, rescue the wives and children of his men, and secure justice. Even so, David asked.

Many of us assume that one-time direction from God implies a general policy that we can follow thereafter, but that’s a careless assumption. When God guides us, He isn’t saying, “This is how I speak and where I will lead you from now on.” What we hear from Him usually applies to that specific situation. The next time we need direction, we’ll have to listen again, even if the situation is similar to the last time. God doesn’t give us formulas or patterns. He gives us Himself—His presence and His ongoing voice.

David seemed to understand that. He brought each situation to God as if it were the first and only time He was listening for guidance. He knew that God had different plans for different situations, and that even when His general will is known, the timing and methods for how to proceed aren’t always clear. We may be confident of what God wants to accomplish in our lives, but we still need direction about how and when He wants to accomplish it, as well as what role He wants us to play in the process. We can never assume that what He said last time applies just as clearly this time. In every situation, we need to ask.

Lord, let me never be presumptuous about Your will. Your character never changes, but there is no end to the variety of Your methods. I’m depending on fresh guidance in every situation of my life.