http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20samuel%205,%201%20chronicles%2011-12&version=NIV
In today’s passage, David finally fully receives God’s promise and is anointed king over all of Israel. Note that God anointed him at age 15. Fifteen years later, he was king of Judah. Twenty two years later, he was king over all of Israel. That’s a long time to wait. As he waited, he spent time in the fields as a shepherd for his father, he served his brothers bringing supplies when they were in battle, and he served Saul, playing the harp, as an armor bearer and in battle. God anointed David at 15, and David waited & served patiently and obediently until the time was right.
Also, in 2 Sam 17-23, the Philistines come up against David twice. Both times, David inquires of the Lord (v. 19 & 23). David didn’t just assume that God would answer the same way both times. This reminds me that we should never assume to know how God will answer, even if it seems like a no-brainer.
One of the things that always gets me about the David is how easily he hears from the Lord. Wouldn’t it be great if we could just pop off an email to God and get back a quick and specific answer like David did in v 23 & 24? Why do you think we often have such a hard time hearing the voice of God? Isaiah 59: 1-2 says “Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” Sins like pride, lust, & envy are the thieves that kill, steal and destroy our connections with God. They make communicating with God hard not only because of our own shame, but because he is a holy God and requires our repentance.
Another big reason we have trouble knowing the voice of God is because we haven’t taken the time to get to know God first. When the phone rings, if I know you well, I will know your voice, but if we’ve only talked a few times, you’ll probably have to tell me who you are. The more we study God’s word and spend quiet time in prayer and take time to listen for a word from God, the easier it will become to get to know God’s voice. But don’t forget, sometimes God’s voice just quietly says “wait…I’m not ready to answer yet”.
Have you ever been in a situation where you thought you were supposed to lead, but you were put in a position of submission? Why do you think God does this?
What are some others reasons that we have trouble hearing the voice of God? What are some ways that you’ve learned to improve your listening skills?
Why do you think sometimes God just wants us to wait for an answer?
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