18 Now the Philistines had come and spread out in theValley of Rephaim; 19 so David inquired of the LORD,
"Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliverthem into my hands?" The LORD answered him, "Go,
for I will surely deliver the Philistines intoyour hands." - P108
22 Once more the Philistines came up and spread outin the Valley of Rephaim; 23 so David inquired of theLORD, and he answered, "Do not go straight up, butcircle around behind them and attack them in front ofthe poplar trees. - P109
25 So David did as the LORD commanded him, and hestruck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon toGezer. - P109
David continues expanding his family with more concubines, wives, andchildren. The Philistines come to fight him and David inquires of God whetherhe should attack them. God tells him to go, so David fights and defeats themat Baal Perazim. - P109
The Philistines try to attack him again in Valley of Rephaim,
and God gives leads David to another victory against his enemy. - P109
Back in 1 Samuel 4, Israel suffered a devastating loss when the Philistines captured
the ark of the covenant. But this time, God grants Davida great victory over the Philistines at Baal Perazim, and David recognizes God‘s leading role in the battle. - P110
After the victory, David and his mencarry off the Philistine idols and have them burned (see 1 Chronicles14:12) in a complete reversal of their past defeat. - P110
As we go throughlosses and difficulties, we can endure well because we know that Godwill grant victories in His own time. - P110
And the victories we have in theLord will redeem and restore any losses we have suffered. - P110
Therefore letus not lose heart even when circumstances are not as we wish they were. - P110
After the first resounding victory, it would have been understandablefor David to presume another easy victory against the Philistines. - P110
Butnotice how he inquires of the Lord again before taking action. - P110
Oftentimes, we are prone to
act out of turn, taking matters in our own handsinstead of praying first. - P110
But God desires for us to have a spirit of dependency so that we seek His counsel before rushing into action or relyingon our own strength and wisdom. - P110
And when we do seek Him, He willgive us the right strategies, just like He did with David. - P110
If we want tolive confidently within God‘s will, we are to take time to seek the Lord,
wait for His answer, and then obey immediately. - P110
Heavenly Father, I confess that I often rely on my own knowledge and strength,
as if I know better than You. - P111
Cultivate in me a heart that always looks to Youfirst and seeks Your will, especially as I wait for You to work victories on mybehalf. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P111
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