Inquiring of the Lord: The Lost Discipline We Must Recover
The Restless Rush of Our Age
We live in an age of relentless decisions. Every day we are bombarded with choices—where to work, whom to trust, what to buy, how to raise our children, which ministry path to take. Information is everywhere, advice is cheap, and opportunities flash by like moving trains we fear missing. The modern world praises quick thinkers and bold risk-takers, but it quietly despises those who pause, wait, and seek God.
Yet pause is exactly what David did. Again and again, in the heat of crisis or the pressure of opportunity, Scripture records the same simple line: “David inquired of the Lord” (1 Sam 23:2, 4; 30:8; 2 Sam 2:1; 5:19, 23).
That phrase is more than a historical footnote—it is a spiritual secret. It is the dividing line between kings who fall and kings who rise. It is the difference between Saul’s tragic haste and David’s enduring legacy. And I believe the Spirit of God is saying to the Church today: “Return to this discipline. Recover what you have lost. Inquire of Me again before you move.”
1. The Posture of Dependence
David was anointed, skilled, and battle-tested. Yet he never assumed past victories guaranteed present direction. Before each step, whether rescuing a city, pursuing an enemy, or ascending to kingship, he asked: “Lord, shall I go up? Will You deliver them into my hands?”
Contrast this with Saul, who rushed into sacrifices (1 Sam 13:9–12), obeyed partially (1 Sam 15:13–23), and consulted mediums when heaven seemed silent (1 Sam 28:6–7). Saul leaned on his own wisdom and was stripped of his crown. David leaned on God’s counsel and became a man after His heart.
Prophetic Word: This is the test of our age. Will we be Sauls, driven by pressure and self-reliance, or Davids, who bow before every step?
2. The Strange Paths of God
Inquiring of the Lord does not always lead to the path of ease. Sometimes His counsel brings delay, detours, or apparent loss.
· At Keilah (1 Sam 23:2–4), God told David to attack, though his men were afraid. Obedience meant walking into danger, but it brought deliverance.
· At Ziklag (1 Sam 30:8), David’s family was kidnapped. Instead of rushing, he paused to inquire. Only then did God assure him: “Pursue, for you will surely overtake and recover all.”
· At the Valley of Rephaim (2 Sam 5:23), God gave an unusual strategy—wait until you hear the sound of marching in the trees. Victory came not through speed but through the Spirit’s timing.
God’s ways often look illogical. He sometimes delays us to protect us from unseen traps. He sometimes redirects us so His glory, not our formula, wins the battle.
Prophetic Word: Many of you are weary not because the enemy was stronger, but because you moved without My counsel. Wait on Me again. Do not despise My delays, for My timing is your shield.
3. The Cost of Not Asking
Scripture does not hide the consequences of neglecting this discipline.
· Joshua 9:14 – Israel made a treaty with the Gibeonites because “they did not inquire of the Lord.” The deception bound them for generations.
· 2 Sam 6:3–7 – David imitated the Philistines’ method of moving the ark on a cart instead of God’s way. The result? Uzzah’s death and a halted procession. Only when David sought God’s order did the ark bring blessing.
This is not about ritual—it is about reverence. To move without God’s approval, even in good intentions, is dangerous.
Prophetic Word: The Lord says, “Do not copy the world’s carts to carry My glory. Do not move in haste because others have done so. Seek Me, and I will show you the ancient path.”
4. Why This Matters Today
Think of how often we move without asking:
· A business venture because the numbers look good.
· A relationship because emotions run high.
· A ministry model because it worked elsewhere.
· A job because it promises stability.
· A harsh word spoken because anger boiled over.
Later, when things unravel, we wonder why. The truth is simple: we never asked.
David shows us a better way: big decisions and small steps alike must be surrendered. God is not only Lord of the battlefield but also of the daily crossroads.
5. Recovering the Lost Discipline
So how do we rebuild this in our lives?
1. Pause Before You Move – A few minutes of surrender can prevent years of regret.
2. Seek His Word – The Spirit often answers through remembered Scriptures, not just new impressions.
3. Listen for His Whisper – Inner peace or unrest is often His signal.
4. Invite Godly Counsel – David used the ephod; we can seek mature believers to confirm God’s leading.
5. Obey Even If It Costs – The blessing is not in understanding the plan, but in knowing the Planner.
6. A Word for the Weary Heart
Perhaps you feel today like David at Ziklag—everything burned, everything lost, and confusion clouding your heart. The temptation is to run, react, or collapse in despair. But learn from David: he strengthened himself in the Lord, then inquired. That was the turning point.
If you have rushed ahead before, you can return. The God who answered David will answer you. Even if your decisions led to loss, the Lord can restore.
Prophetic Word: The Spirit of the Lord says, “This is the hour to inquire again. Come back to Me, not only in crisis but in every step. If you will seek Me, I will guide you. If you will pause, I will speak. Do not move without Me.”
Prayer
Father, forgive me for the times I have leaned on my own understanding. Teach me again the discipline of pausing, of waiting, of inquiring of You before I move. Guard me from the pride of assuming I know the way. Even when Your counsel requires surrender, give me grace to obey. Restore to me the joy of walking step by step with You. Amen.
Whisper for Today
Every step not inquired of the Lord is a step at risk. Every step surrendered is a step secured.
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