Pursue, Overtake & Recover AllSample

Inquiring Of The Lord – Seeking Divine Direction

David did not act impulsively when faced with devastation—he inquired of the Lord. This moment is crucial because it teaches us that our first response to loss or attack should not be panic, but prayer. Instead of allowing emotions to drive his actions, David turned to God for divine strategy. Many times, we rush into decisions out of desperation, but David models the importance of seeking God's counsel before taking action.

Seeking God first demonstrates humility and trust. It acknowledges that we do not have all the answers, but that God, who sees the end from the beginning, does. When David asked, “Shall I pursue?” he showed that he was not relying on his own strength or wisdom. He was willing to let God determine his course. Too often, we decide first and then ask God to bless our plans, but true faith seeks His will before moving forward.

God responded to David’s inquiry with clarity: “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.” This reveals a key principle—God desires to guide us, but we must be intentional about asking. The Bible tells us in James 1:5 that if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask God, who gives generously. The problem is not that God does not speak, but that we often do not ask or take time to listen.

Another lesson from David’s inquiry is that he sought direction through the priest and the ephod, a tool used in Old Testament times for discerning God’s will. Today, we have the Holy Spirit and the written Word of God to guide us. Through prayer, scripture, and the prompting of the Holy Spirit, we can receive divine direction just as David did. This requires cultivating a lifestyle of listening and being sensitive to God's leading.

There is safety in inquiring of the Lord. When we make decisions outside of God’s will, we risk unnecessary struggles and setbacks. David could have acted out of anger and chased the enemy blindly, but his victory was assured only because he sought God first. Likewise, when we rely on our own understanding, we may achieve temporary success, but only God-directed actions lead to true restoration.

Inquiring of the Lord also requires patience. Sometimes, God’s answer is immediate, but other times, we must wait. The waiting season tests our faith and teaches us reliance on God. Just as David waited for an answer before pursuing, we must be willing to pause and seek confirmation before making major life decisions. Trusting God’s timing is just as important as trusting His direction.

When we seek God first, we align ourselves with His plans, which are always higher than our own (Isaiah 55:8-9). His guidance ensures that we move in the right direction and that our efforts are fruitful. Many of the struggles we face come from leaning on our own understanding instead of seeking divine wisdom. If we develop the habit of inquiring of the Lord in every situation, we will experience greater peace and clarity.

As we reflect on David’s example, we must ask ourselves: Do we seek God first, or do we act first and ask Him to fix our mistakes later? The more we practice seeking His direction, the more attuned we become to His voice. God is not silent—He desires to lead us, but we must intentionally listen. Our breakthroughs and victories are connected to our willingness to inquire of Him and obey His guidance.

Reflection Questions

• Do you typically seek God’s direction before making major decisions?
• Have you ever moved ahead without consulting God? What was the result?
• What can you do to be more intentional about inquiring of the Lord?
• How has God guided you in the past when you sought Him?

Action Step

Before making any major decision this week, take time to pray and seek God’s wisdom. Write down what He reveals through scripture, prayer, or the prompting of the Holy Spirit.