Some Trust In Chariots

Psalm 20:7; 1 Kings 22:5; 2 Samuel 2:1; Judges 18:5-6; Judges 20:18

What is the best thing Christians can do for an upcoming election? Get out and vote, right? What should be our first order of protection against an enemy? Build a massive, well trained military? Invest in more powerful, smarter weapons? These things should definitely be near the top of the list, but not our first line of defense.

In 1 Samuel 23,  David goes to Keilah to attack the Philistines, while Saul, having received this information, goes to Keilah in pursuit of David. David comes out victorious and Saul is left running in circles. The difference? Three times in this chapter we see David inquiring of the Lord. Twice, after being informed that the Philistines had attacked Keilah, as to whether he is to go and fight. The Lord assures him that He will deliver the Philistines into his hands. Later, after being told that Saul is closing in on him, he inquires as to whether this is true, and if the people in Keilah (whom he had just rescued from the Philistines) would surrender him into the hands of Saul. Again the Lord gives confirmation, so David escapes.

On the other hand, Saul is never seen inquiring of the Lord concerning this pursuit. He has good information on David's whereabouts and victory would seem imminent. In fact, Saul declared, “God has delivered him into my hand, for he shut himself in by entering a city with double gates and bars.” (v. 7) Saul assumed that the Lord was with him but he didn't stop to seek His direction.

We often assume something so obvious, we don't feel the need to seek the Lord in it; or at least not in a passionate way. However, time and time again the Word of God is clear. We are not to trust in our own strength or in the power of our weapons or military. Our trust should be solely in Him. Proverbs 21:31 says The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory belongs to the Lord. (NASB)

So whether we are preparing to go to the polls, or go into battle, we should seek the Lord and His perfect plan. He will deliver, if we will just seek Him, pray that His will is accomplished, and trust Him completely.

Isaiah 31:1 (NASB) Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help And rely on horses, And trust in chariots because they are many And in horsemen because they are very strong, But they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the Lord!

Pastor Mike Deese