Therefore David inquired again of God, and God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; circle around them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees.“
1 Chronicles 14:14 NKJV
The story of David’s encounter with the Philistines in 1 Chronicles 14 offers valuable lessons about trusting in God for victory. In verse 8, we learn that the Philistines sought David when they heard he had been anointed king over all Israel. David’s response to this was to inquire of God, asking, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hand?” The Lord responded affirmatively.
The first point to note is David’s reliance on God. He did not trust in the size of his army, his abilities, or his battle expertise. David understood that victory is more than just a physical army; it comes from the Lord. Thus, he relied on the Lord and sought His guidance before going into battle. David would not have proceeded without God’s instruction. With God’s backing, he conquered the Philistine army. God gave David and his army victory in that battle.
In verse 11, David testified, “God has broken through my enemies by my hand like a breakthrough of water.” Importantly, David did not take credit for the victory but acknowledged God’s role. He saw himself as merely an instrument in the hand of the Lord, available for God’s use. This realisation that we are only instruments in God’s hands is crucial in becoming who God wants us to be.
However, our enemies do not relent but always look for opportunities to attack. The Philistines did not relent after David defeated them once; they regrouped, armed themselves more heavily, and came again to fight in the valley.
David’s response to this second challenge is worth considering. He remembered his previous victory and the tactics used. His strength and capacity for battle were still intact. Yet, David returned to God, inquiring of Him again. In doing this, David acknowledged that he was not in control of his life. He saw himself as a vessel, an instrument in the hand of the Lord, seeking God’s instruction, permission, and guidance. He did not rely on his previous victory for this battle. Instead, he went to God again.
This brings us to reflect on how we respond to life’s challenges. Our enemies will not give up after one trial; they will come again. Yesterday’s victory does not guarantee today’s or tomorrow’s victory. The strategy that worked well in a previous battle is not necessarily the solution for the next.
In conclusion, David’s story teaches us the importance of relying on God, acknowledging Him in our victories, and continually seeking His guidance. We are reminded that we are merely instruments in God’s hands, and our strategies and strengths are secondary to His divine intervention. Therefore, let us remember to seek God’s guidance in every challenge we face, knowing that our past victories do not guarantee future success. Our ultimate victory lies in God’s hands.
Just like Joshua trusted God for guidance at the Jordan River, independent of the Red Sea strategy, we, too, must seek God’s instruction every step of the way. True victory is found only in Him, not in our own abilities. Let us learn from David’s example and make seeking God’s guidance a constant practice.
