The Importance of Prayer In Making a Decision

II Samuel 2.1-7

David learned the hard way this truth of God, "Pray and seek direction from the LORD before heading out."

He had failed before by leaning on his own understanding. Remember?
1 Samuel 27:1-3 But David thought to himself, “One of these days I will be destroyed by the hand of Saul. The best thing I can do is to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will give up searching for me anywhere in Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.” So David and the six hundred men with him left and went over to Achish son of Maok king of Gath. David and his men settled in Gath with Achish. Each man had his family with him, and David had his two wives: Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail of Carmel, the widow of Nabal.

It brought about temporary relief from Saul but with long term consequences that almost got David killed. It brought severe suffering to his men and their families as well as his family. Their families were kidnapped and had to be rescued. That decision put David in the enemy's camp.

Now, back on track, even after the opposition to David becoming King over Israel is out of the way, he pauses, prays and waits to hear from the LORD. He already had been anointed a decade before by Samuel. He is the rightful heir to the throne, but I love the way David waits upon the LORD for the go ahead to claim what is rightfully his.

He is showing wisdom, self restraint and putting God's Kingdom first.

He honored the grieving period for Saul and entered into it himself.

His move back to the Israel is an example of how we ought to be before any move or major decision.

1. Pausing is Necessary In Decision Making v.1
In the course of time
It came about afterwards

Never make a major decision in times of distress or in times of highly charged emotional swings, in times of anger and frustration or when you are exhausted. Interesting isn't it how we are tempted, sometimes sorely, to do just that!

In the course of time= Achar
after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time)
behind (of place)
after that
hinder part

David didn't jump out ahead of the LORD.
How easy this is to do. We need to grow spiritually where we understand the timing of the LORD in our lives. Honoring His timing translates into waiting, pausing before heading out, even when we know what He wants.

David didn't lean on his own understanding.
He had experience, a bad experience in this area.
He sought the LORD to see if it was right to reenter the boundaries of the nation. He didn't seek Him in leaving but he has grown through suffering and is seeking Him on the way back in.

David knew the LORD was looking down from heaven and saw what he could not see. Moreover the LORD saw the hearts of the people. He sees everything.
In this time of information explosion we can easily lean on Google or our iPhones rather than seeking the LORD. Herein is a difference between knowledge and wisdom. We need to seek the LORD for wisdom to use the knowledge we have received from Him.

David didn't go with his own inclinations. He went to the LORD. He paused, honoring God, showing his men his devotion to his LORD.

David is letting the LORD bring him into the kingdom. He is not forcing it, rather is surrendered to God's time frame. He was a lot further along than many Christians. We so often want to know when and how and the LORD seldom tells us that! "How long O LORD?" is not answered in the Psalms. In Revelation the answer is: Wait a little longer.


2. Praying Is Key In Making A Decision. v.1a

He asked specific questions.

He had learned the truth of the song firsthand:
Oh what peace we often forfeit, Oh what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!

He even asked for the specific city.
We ought to be free to ask God for specifics and then expect a reply.

Now this is not like that idiot on TV who said, "When you ask God for a Rolls Royce be sure and tell him what color you want!"

Looking to heaven rather than looking at our circumstances.

Don't be afraid to get specific with the LORD. He is a God of details. He delights in taking us into His confidence.
Proverbs 3:32 For the Lord detests the perverse but takes the upright into His confidence.

Isn't that wonderful?!!! Don't you want a prayer life like that? Many times people tell us things in confidence. Lawyers, Doctors have patient/client confidentiality, but imagine being taken into the LORD's confidence, where He confides in you His plans! It is glorious!

He did this for David.
He will do this for you.
This is a benefit of walking in the light as He is in the light.
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.
The Word of God has told us so many things and sheds light on our light ad momentary problems.
His Spirit leads us.

3. Waiting for the LORD Is Necessary.

Sometimes He gives us the go ahead right away.

Abraham tried to help God out and go way ahead and created a conflict that is going on among his descendants to this day!

Sometimes the waiting is rough.

But it is always wise!!!

Think of these scriptures about waiting with a promise:
* Isaiah 40:31 Yet those who wait for the LordWill gain new strength;They will mount up with wings like eagles,They will run and not get tired,They will walk and not become weary.
*Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord;Be strong and let your heart take courage;Yes, wait for the Lord.
*Psalm 25:3 Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed.
*Psalm 33:20 Our soul waits for the Lord;He is our help and our shield.
Perhaps David wrote this during this time of the establishment of his rule:
*Psalm 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the Lord;And He inclined to me and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay,And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;Many will see and fearAnd will trust in the Lord.
There are many more promises about waiting.

We are waiting ultimately for Christ to come.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

When I was young I was impressed with the spectacular. As I get closer to eternity I am struck by those who have reflected the faithfulness of God in their lives. The people who have been dealt the toughest blows in life and remain firm in their faith, unmoved and at peace touch my heart deeply.

Among the miracles it has been my privilege to see it is these folks who stay with in my mind and heart. I admire their faith and trust in the LORD.

Prayer is so important in making a decision. When we couple it with the Word of God He will show us what to do, where to go.

I will wait, wait, wait on the LORD.
I will wait, wait, wait on the LORD.
Learn my lessons well
In His Timing He will tell me
Where to go, What to do, What to say!