SEEK GOD WHEN MAKING DECISIONS

Our reading from Joshua 9:3ff records the account of the Gibeonites deception of the Israelites. The Israelites were commanded to destroy the people in the land due to their corruption and God’s plan to provide the land for Israel. In fear, the Gibeonites, who were living in the land, came up with a scheme to fool Israel. They sent a party pretending to have traveled from a far country to seek peace. Their lies were successful as seen in 14-15, “So the men of Israel took some of their provisions, and did not ask for the counsel of the Lord. Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live; and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them.” The key problem was they “did not ask for the counsel of the Lord”.

One of the key reasons for King David’s success was his habit of asking God for directions before going into battle or making important decisions. One of the keys to Solomon’s early success was his prayer in 1 Ki 9:9-10, “ ‘So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?’ It was pleasing in the sight of the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing.” Although Asa was a good king who obeyed God, in 2 Ch 16:12, he failed to seek the Lord when he was sick late in his life and only sought help from the physicians.

How often do we make critical decisions without consulting the Lord? James 1:5 states, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” In Mat 7:7-8 Jesus states, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” Prov 2:3-6. “For if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding; if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom. From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (quotes from NASB)