His Abide

Context: 2 Samuel 5: 1-25
Focus: 2 Samuel 5: 17-25

When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went down to the stronghold.  Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim;  *so David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?” The Lord answered him, “Go, for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hands.” 2 Samuel 5: 17-19 *(my emphasis)

After reading how David would consult the Lord every time on whether or not he should confront the enemy, I started reflecting.
I mainly react on impulse. If it seems to me a good thing, what could go wrong, right?
But having tripped up enough times following my own perspective, God finally has my attention, and it was through His Word I found this eye opening insight.
When asked, God  encouraged David to go ahead and do what he thought to do, and went further to give him His Strategy (God’s).  (vs. 22-25).

A few years ago I thought to take matters into my own hands concerning defeating some strongholds in my life. I was sent a book from a Christian organization on how to recognize generational curses and what to do.  I had rejected this concept, previously, based on God’s Word found in 2 Corinthians 5:17.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

But because I highly respected the author and his teachings I dismissed God’s Word and decided to take this thing on.  It didn’t take long before I started experiencing emotional turmoil. This was a red flag, and the Lord was quick to identify it. So as the Lord was gracious and merciful to show me this was not his strategy, I repented and threw the book away.

God gave me a strategy long ago, and delivered me from the enemy’s tactics. I use this weapon whenever there is conflict in my life and home; part of it is refusing to give the enemy the time of day, but rather, walk away. Instead, I just hold up the Lord’s Sword – His Word, not my own, knowing in Christ Jesus I’ve already won.

So what should I do in light of this revelation? I am learning to be less impulsive and more cautious as I learn to lean more on Him and not me. (Proverbs 3: 5-6)

This is so crucial to my walk with Christ, I wear a ring on my finger and a bracelet with scriptural inscriptions and graphic representations reminding me of His Word;
                                                                  Pray, Trust, Wait
                                            (Philippians 4: 6-7, Proverbs 3: 5-6, Isaiah 40: 30-31)

                                                    Why? Because it’s what His Word tells me to do.

“Fix these words of mine in your hearts(love them) and minds(know them); tie them as symbols on your hands(Do them) and bind them on your foreheads(write them).” Deuteronomy 11:18 *(my emphasis)

God’s Word will always be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.  That is, if I remember to hold it up and carry it with me wherever I go.  Leaving that lamp behind and trying to navigate this dark world has not worked for me, how’s it working for you?

Jesus says “you receive not because you ask not”, so I am going to ask about everything, even the mundane. I am tired of having to backtrack smoothing over past mistakes, when it could have been fair sailing all along, meaning  relationships, texting, working on projects and everything else.

PHEW, and yes, I am finally learning how to enter His Rest (Hebrews 4:10)

“Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain”. Isaiah 40:4

 Thank You, LORD!

Resources

Bible Hub: biblehub.com