Do we need to ask God for wisdom when the way forward seems obvious?
If we trust God and persevere, sooner or later he fulfills his promises. We come to a turning point when our hopes near their fulfillment. The company for which you have always wanted to work gives you a job interview. The person in whom you have romantic interest agrees to a date. The big-ticket item you have long wanted to own goes on sale, and you have saved enough to buy it. The university you would love to attend accepts your application.
At times like these, who needs to pray about it? Who needs special wisdom? The way seems clear. And we might fear that God will communicate something we do not want to hear.
But when David came to such a hoped-for turning point, he had a different approach.
When doors open
The turning point for him came when King Saul died in battle. For years the insanely jealous king had been trying to kill David. Suddenly there was a power vacuum in the nation. Who would be the next king? David had been a famous battle hero, the man who slew Goliath, the man who as a military commander had victories wherever he turned. When he returned from battle, the women sang, “Saul has slain his thousands, David his tens of thousands.”
Even more important, years before this turn of events the prophet Samuel had anointed him with oil to be king. At this propitious point, how natural it would have been for David to rely on his own wisdom and pursue his personal desire.
But David had a better approach.
Even when the next step seems obvious, check in with God
Second Samuel 2:1–4 says:
“After this David inquired of the LORD, ‘Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?’ And the LORD said to him, ‘Go up.’ David said, ‘To which shall I go up?’ And he said, ‘To Hebron.’ So David went up there, and his two wives also, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. And David brought up his men who were with him, everyone with his household, and they lived in the towns of Hebron. And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.”
The takeaway from this story is, when turning points come that are the desire of one’s heart, we should still inquire of God for wisdom before we move forward. We need the Lord’s wisdom for matters like what to do, how to do it, and when to do it.
In David’s case, there were no surprises in what God revealed. It made sense to go into Judah because David was of the tribe of Judah; the people would probably look for a new leader; and they would be more likely to choose someone who is present. Furthermore it made sense to move into Hebron because it was a leading city.
Q & A
One further takeaway from this story is what it reveals about God’s answers to questions. God succinctly answered David’s questions and stopped. He gave two answers, each comprising two words (in English).
David: “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?”
The Lord: “Go up.”
David: “To which shall I go up?”
The Lord: “To Hebron.”
Of course, God works differently in different times and situations, but here at least he did not give many step-by-step instructions. He was willing to tell David which city he should move to, but he did not say that until David in his second question asked specifically. And that was the end of what God wanted to reveal.
The lesson for us is, pray for wisdom specifically. Begin at the beginning without making any assumptions. Then request specifics. In this way, you walk in surrender to the Lord and acknowledge his rule. In his time he will tell you as much wisdom as he wants you to know.
When we cannot wait
Of course in many situations if we do not feel that God has communicated further wisdom to us, we cannot wait. We have to decide and act. When that is the case, pray for wisdom and then make the decision that seems best in light of what you know of God’s will and the wisdom you already have.
Do not be surprised if God does not carry on a conversation with you in answer to your questions. He will communicate his wisdom to you in the way that is best for you, at the time that is best. Trust him and be patient.
However long it takes, in the end learning to seek God for wisdom will enable you to know and trust God more.
Jeremiah 9:23–24: “Thus says the LORD: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.’” (ESV)