"What?", not "Why?"

Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. Then David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech’s son, “Please bring the ephod here to me.” And Abiathar brought the ephod to David. So David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?” And He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.” (1 Samuel 30:6-8)

We all get stressed at times. Bad things happen in this world to both good and evil people. Many times it seems as if the bad guys are winning . . . and that may just be true. However, that does not give the CHRISTian free license to grumble, complain, accuse, or to sin! Check back again to the verses above and see what David did in response to the threats against him. He asked for the ephod and inquired of the Lord. He did not immediately attack. He did not lose his temper and act irrationally. He did not seek to gather evidence against his enemy for a public or legal war of words. He did not pick a social media fight. He did not try to run over his attackers with his SUV (chariot)or bombard them with nasty emails. Rather, he sought the Lord. "Shall I pursue this troop?" How would our lives differ if we first sought the Lord and His Word before reacting to adversity? What would the results be if we could just try to see what God was doing and what He wanted us to do? Often we ask "Why?" when the question is "What?" "What are You up to Lord?" "What shall I do now, Lord?" "What is Your will, Lord?" Many times this has to begin before the battle occurs. Seeking God after the war might be a bit late. If we "hide His Word" in our hearts daily, we will be better prepared to handle trying situations without sin. It is a challenge but one the Holy Spirit can accomplish in and through His people. Are you ready to face battles today?