Consulting the Lord before big decisions

October 18, 2026

By Editorial Team

“Once again David enquired of the Lord“ 1 Samuel 23:4

The Phrase “David enquired of the Lord occurs again and again in the Bible. We can see that every step of his was taken only after consulting the Lord. It was such a detailed consultation before every major battle, and decisive event. When you consult a wise man or a higher authority, we do it because He would have better wisdom, more complete information than us. Jesus has perfect and complete information and full authority to intervene and accomplish things for us. So let us go to him.

Here Keilah was being attacked by the Philistines and they were robbing the harvest. It was Saul’s responsibility, but he did nothing. So David asked the Lord, should I step in and save Keilah. And the Lord said, Go and attack Philistines and save Keilah. (23:2). But then his soldiers raise a serious objection, they said, we are at risk in Judah from Saul. So if we go all the way to Keilah, wont we be at risk from both Sauls army and Philistines. Moreover we are just 600 men, all true facts putting their lives at great risk. Now David has doubts, it’s a needless expedition and its not going to be of any benefit. So he comes to the Lord with new doubts and risk analysis!

And the Ephod is brought by Abiathar and David consults the Lord again. And the Holy Spirit tells him “Arise go down to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand” (23:4). So the troops go and deliver Keilah. Now after this David starts living in Keilah. And news spreads and Saul gathers troops to come after him. David saved this village, but now they seem to be treacherous. And again he consults God. And God clearly tells him, yes Saul will come and these people will deliver you into Saul’s hand. See what flimsy loyalty from Keilah, they were actually ready to betray him, the man who saved their lives yesterday. But such is the human heart. One day we are so fully in God’s will, next day we stray and disobey him. But Jesus never changes. If we are faithless, he remains faithful — for he cannot deny himself (2 Tim 2:13). God's relationship to us is Covenantal, whereas our waxes and wanes with the circumstances.

And with new direction from the Lord, David and his men flee that place and go wherever they can. And it was told Saul, that David had escaped from Keilah and so he halted the expedition. David escapes yet again, thanks to consulting the Holy Spirit.

What a beautiful picture of David the believer: asking Jesus his Lord and Saviour, again and again what should I do. I am in a fix, I don’t know. This seems right, but it could be wrong. Lord, I need your advice. Will you guide me. I don’t want missteps, because I want to fulfil your purpose for my life. David was not after victories or fame, battles were fought because it was the will of God. He was a singer and worshipper at heart. So much he pours out his heart and troubles to God in Psalms. And don't forget that David wrote so much about Jesus in the Psalms, these are called Messianic Psalms.

Fast forward to the gospels, time and again the disciples consulted the Lord. Lord lunch is not there for the thousands, what do we do. Should we send them away so that they can go to hotels and inns and buy food. Where should we make bookings for the Passover. Where should we go for ministry next. They asked him their doubts about Johns’ disciples rules and fastings vs their paths. And the Lord always gave a beautiful answer.

This could be about a family decision, about a workplace matter, or a friendship that needs pruning, or Church issue or a financial risk etc. When am in a fix, I come to the Lord. Right now am consulting the Lord a second time on a few matters. As I write this, it is an encouragement and an admonition to me as much, as it is to you friends.

Above all seek him in His Word. He will speak to you. That path will not let you down. I trust the God of David will guide us all, as we seek his solutions and his paths for our lives.