Discerning the right thing to do versus gathering more information – which is most important? The reading for this week reminds us that both are important to our effective Christian walk as maturing believers.
David gathered more information when he asked God plainly, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?” The Lord answered David plainly, “Yes, go ahead. I will hand them over to you.” And so it was. A second time, David asked God directly how to conquer the returning Philistines and, once again, God answered him plainly, even telling David about angels that would be assisting in the battle. David followed God’s directions and the victory was won.
In contrast, when David considered building a Temple to house the Ark of the Covenant, he did not ask God. Instead, he asked Nathan the prophet. Nathan’s response was “Do whatever you have in mind for God is with you.” What we know about this scene is that David’s heart was absolutely in the right place in wanting to “do a good thing for God”. The problem was that God never asked him to, and David never inquired directly of God about it. If David had, God would have told him plainly that it was not for him to do.
God’s response to David through Nathan the prophet was vehement, bordering on angry – in fact, maybe it was angry! Certainly it was chastising to David. Never mind that David’s heart was in the right place, he had never inquired of the Lord about it and he was completely running ahead of Gods’ plans. Even so, God continued in His plans to bless David and eventually the Temple was built by David’s son, Solomon.
How many times have I run ahead of God? How many times have I wanted to “do a good thing for God”? Failed to inquire of the Lord, failed to listen so that I understand what my part is in a matter and what is not. Invariably, when I run ahead I encounter fatigue, resistance, confusion and sometimes even resentment because the doors simply don’t open as I expect them to. Nothing good comes of it.
God is well able to do anything He chooses through anyone He chooses. Our task as His children is to listen, inquire, lean in and only then do we move forward to action. Don’t be afraid to ask what seems like obvious questions. Is this for me to do Lord? What are your plans for me? The end result of living this way is God gains all the glory, while we gain His peace and rest, which is priceless.