And David Enquired of the Lord
David's example teaches us the importance of seeking God's guidance before taking action, and trusting in His sovereignty in times of uncertainty.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance in all decisions, using David's example after his victory over the Philistines. Despite his previous success, David did not assume he could achieve victory again without consulting the Lord first. Spurgeon encourages Christians to rely on God's direction, warning against the folly of acting independently of divine guidance. He reminds believers to take their uncertainties to God and wait for His instruction before proceeding. The sermon calls for a deep reliance on God's providence in navigating life's challenges.
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When David made this enquiry he had just fought the Philistines, and gained a signal victory. The Philistines came up in great hosts, 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 enquiring 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 sure that if I have conquered once I shall triumph yet again.
Wherefore should I tarry to seek at the Lord's hands?" Not so, David. He had gained one battle by the strength of the Lord; he would not venture upon another until he had ensured the same. He enquired, "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 thou wouldst know the path of duty, take God for thy compass; if thou wouldst steer thy ship through the dark billows, put the tiller into the hand of the Almighty.
Many a rock might be escaped, if we would let our Father take the helm; many a shoal or quicksand we might well avoid, if we would leave to His sovereign will to choose and to command. 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 divine, "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 leading us; and if providence tarries, tarry till providence comes.
He who goes before 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?" Leave not thy chamber this morning without enquiring of the Lord.
Sermon Outline
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David's Enquiry of the Lord
- The importance of seeking God's guidance before taking action
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The Dangers of Self-Reliance
- The consequences of relying on one's own strength and abilities
- The importance of trusting in God's sovereignty
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The Promise of God's Guidance
- God's promise to instruct and teach His people in the way they should go
- The importance of seeking God's guidance in times of uncertainty
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The Application of David's Example
- The importance of taking no step without God's guidance
- The need to leave our plans and decisions in God's hands
Key Quotes
“He who goes before the cloud of God's providence goes on a fool's errand;” — C.H. Spurgeon
“As sure as ever a Christian carves for himself, he'll cut his own fingers;” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Leave not thy chamber this morning without enquiring of the Lord.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Take no step without God's guidance, and seek His will in all decisions.
- Trust in God's sovereignty, and leave your plans and decisions in His hands.
- Seek God's guidance in times of uncertainty, and follow His will, rather than your own desires and strengths.