2 Samuel 3, 5 | Your Unseen Warrior

If you are a true follower of Christ, you have an advocate with power you may not fully comprehend. He is The-One-Who-Goes-Before you and is absolute in His wisdom, power, and ability.

DAVID’S TESTIMONY

David was the new King of Israel, chosen by God Himself. This King, as opposed to his predecessor, Saul, had a heart after God. So, at almost every turn, David asked God what he should do and simply followed God’s lead. This allowed God Himself to lead His people, which is all God ever wants.

When David inquired of the Lord, He said, “You shall not go directly up; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees. It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall act promptly, for then the Lord will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.” Then David did so, just as the Lord had commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba as far as Gezer. (2 Samuel 5:23-25).

Notice the beautiful progression as David faced his enemies ...

· David inquired of the Lord.

· God gave clear instructions.

· God told him to come from behind and wait on God’s movement.

· God went before David’s army and began the battle.

· David did “just as the Lord commanded him,” and the battle was won.

Times have not changed. We face battles daily, whether we realize it or not. And we “wrestle not against flesh and blood” but against mighty, spiritual forces that are designed to keep us from winning victories that would glorify God.

If we are to win, we must lay aside pride in our meager ability, inquire of the Lord, and do precisely as He says. And if we do, our results will match David’s, for God loves to show Himself strong on behalf of those who trust in Him.

Father, thank You for my enemies, for it is their very presence that drives me in desperation to You. Let me wait for the “sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees,” i.e., the clear indication of Your presence. And thank You that, when I listen and obey, You are mighty to deliver. Let my life today glorify You, as David’s did.