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1 Samuel 23:1-14 – Praying through the Bible #95 – A Prayer to Make Good Decisions
How good are you at making the right decisions? To become good requires surrounding yourself with those smarter than you, and who you respect, resulting in a willingness to follow their advice. A recurring theme in David’s life is one all should incorporate into their decision making process, realizing we are poor sources of ultimate authority, wisdom or knowledge: “David inquired of the Lord” (1 Samuel 23.2,4).
David is asking God about rescuing Keilah, a city in Judah (23.2). Unselfishness in attitude is our first tip on making good decisions. Not only is David praying, God is answering (23.2). David knew who to ask. Knowing the right source is a second tip. When we surround ourselves with those afraid of being less than a “yes man” we cannot make good decisions. God tells David to act. Doing so would be dangerous. It is safer doing nothing. Usually the right answer is the hard answer. That is our third tip. Saul also inquired of the LORD: “But God did not answer him that day” (14.37). A fourth tip on making good decisions is good relationships. David had one with God, Saul did not. Finally, get others involved. While Abiathar is not seen praying, he is part of the process: “When David learned that Saul was plotting against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, ‘Bring the ephod’” (23.9). Then David prays again.
Apparently, God’s answer did not suffice for David’s men. “Look, we’re afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the Philistines forces!” (23.3). One common reason for making the wrong decision is fear. David prays again (23.4) and I wonder if he inquires for his benefit or his men. If for him, we see a second common reason for making the wrong decision, peer pressure. Plus, not every outside source is good. That’s a third cause of bad decision making. Saul is pursuing David because he heard he had gone to Keilah. Saul wrongfully thinks God is helping: “God has handed him over to me, for he has trapped himself by entering a town with barred gates” (23.7). Here is find a fourth danger in making decisions. We wrongly interpret God’s providence. Not everything is a divine answer. Sometimes it just is what it is.
Despicably, Saul is willing to destroy Keilah to destroy David (23.10). David asks if these people he rescued will betray him. Sadly, they will (23.10-13). Just because God answers our prayers, just because we make the right decisions, none of that means others will stick with us when times get tough. Even when it is people we have helped.
David knew to make good decisions he needed to surround himself with God. We should too. God is smarter than us, so we should respect Him, and be willing to follow His advice. That includes surrounding ourselves with His godly people.
Prayer Challenge: There is hardly a day where a decision is not made, or needed. Pray, remembering how to make good decisions, and the causes of bad ones. Be willing to stand alone with God even when we stand alone because of God.
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