Scripture
1 Samuel 24:4
“Now’s your opportunity!” David’s men whispered to him. “Today the Lord is telling you, ‘I will certainly put your enemy into your power, to do with as you wish.'”
Observation
David had an incredible opportunity to remove his main enemy and clear the way for his own destiny all in one fell swoop. And according to his men, this was God clearly telling him “Go for it! Do what you want to do, to the man who hates you!”
The problem was, God had not actually said this. God had anointed David to be the next king, but He never gave David the authority to remove Saul from the throne.
Although God’s name was invoked, God was being mis-quoted.
Application
I’ve had moments when I desperately wanted God to agree with me and confirm the course of action that I wanted to take. I’ve had people quote His name to me, certain that they were speaking on God’s behalf.
But if I’m honest, often the voice that I wish was God’s…is merely my own preferences and desires making themselves known!
How can I know the difference?! First and foremost–I need to know what the written Word of God says. His voice will never contradict His Word! Second–I need to seek the voice of God for myself, rather than merely listening to the voices around me which affirm and support my own preferences. God is less worried about me getting what I want…and more worried about whether I’m aligning with what He wants.
Like David, I need to take a step back from time to time to listen for the quiet and unchanging voice of truth. God wants me to hear what He has to say–and He does speak, when I take the time to listen.
Prayer
God, the noise around me can become overwhelming! Indeed–my own mind and my heart can shout so loudly that it’s hard to hear you. Help me today, to do whatever is necessary to quiet the noise and hear the voice of my Shepherd. Your voice is the only one that I want to follow!
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