“Counsel is mine and sound wisdom; I am understanding, power is mine.” – Proverbs 8:14

In times of confusion, trials and difficulty, what do you usually do? What is your first line of action? As a child of God, who do you look to, speak to, engage? Do you coil up in your corner, or you put on your priestly garment like the priest you are and seek God’s counsel?

1 Samuel 29 and 30 recounts a time in David’s life when he he lived in the territory of the Philistines, this was during the time that Saul sought to kill him. David, anointed to be King of Israel, lived in Ziklag.

Around this time Philistine picked up arms against Israel, and out of loyalty to the Philistine Ruler Achish, who had been generous, David agreed to join forces with them to fight against King Saul and Israel. This decision did not go down well with the Philistine army generals so they sent David home, along with all his men.

Upon reaching their home three days later, they realized the place had been besieged by the Amalekites, their wives and children had been captured and enslaved, all their valuables were looted. David wept. His own men at some point decided to plot evil against him for that which had befallen them. Everything seemed lost, but David remembered the Lord. David put on his priestly garment and sought the face of God. The Lord told him to pursue his enemies, he did, and he won. Then he recovered what was lost and seized even more.

Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelek, “Bring me the ephod. ”Abiathar brought it to him, and David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” he answered. “You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue.” – 1 Samuel 30:7-9

David recovered what was lost and seized even more because He believed God’s direction above everyone else’. We can all take a cue from this approach to life – seeking God’s counsel first. Not only in time of trouble or danger, but also in all spheres of life. What is God’s perspective on that action, that company you’re keeping, that career choice? Is it something He would approve? You may not entirely agree with His counsel or direction for your life but His promise is clear, “All things work together for the good of those that love God, those that have been called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28. Believe! Everything will turn out good if you trust Him.

Proverbs 8:14  Romans 8:28 1 Samuel 30