Our second example carries multiple messages but our main objective is with respect to seeking direction as per God’s guidelines for now. Circumstances facing us and for which we may be in desperate need for guidance may differ, but the principles remain the same. In this example, David under severe persecution by King Saul had to run for His life. It comes to a time when weariness from relentless pressure gets the better of us, but should this be so? We might even find a scriptural justification, such as in this case of persecution where Matthew 10:21-23 comes in very handy to ‘japa’!

“When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don’t quit. Don’t cave in. It is all well worth it in the end. It is not success you are after in such times but survival. Be survivors! Before you’ve run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived. Matthew 10:21-23 (MSG)

David’s option, out of his own thoughts and logic turned out to be the wrong direction to have gone!

But what is not ordered by God always ends up in disaster!

Those who turn from the truth get what they deserve, but a good person receives a sweet reward. A gullible person will believe anything, but a sensible person will confirm the facts. A wise person is careful in all things and turns quickly from evil, while the impetuous fool moves ahead with overconfidence. Proverbs 14:14-16 (TPT)

This move of David backfired as David teams up in 1 Samuel 29:1-2 with the enemy. What contradiction to God’s purpose for David’s life this choice he made meant! God’s established will for David was spoken to in Psalm 78:70-72.

Then he chose David, his servant, handpicked him from his work in the sheep pens. One day he was caring for the ewes and their lambs, the next day God had him shepherding Jacob, his people Israel, his prize possession. His good heart made him a good shepherd; he guided the people wisely and well. Psalm 78:70-72 (MSG)

But for God’s mercy David’s choice would have meant disqualification. Beloved, don’t let fear or public perception drive your decisions; listen to God. David’s decision implied him going to war in the camp of the enemy to kill the very sheep he was purposed to defend! Neither did he go undisciplined. The Ziklag incident was no happenstance (1 Sam. 30); it was ordained by God to bring David back to the Lord as the account shows the contrast between 1 Samuel 27 and 1 Samuel 30:6. David realised his error, for when all his followers turned on him, he returned to the God who he had learnt to trust. He showed he had learnt his lesson as evidenced by his conduct in his subsequent battles against the Philistines (2 Sam. 5:18-25).

As we get settled into 2024, make up your mind to follow proper order for direction whatever the circumstances. Don’t suffer for disobedience. Selah.

Pastor Afolabi Oladele