2 Samuel 2:1
And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.
I think that for many, decisions are difficult. I know that I am chronic in putting off decisions. When I read this text I thought what a blessing that God would make this decision for David. Often as we read the Old Testament Scriptures we find God giving such clear and specific direction to His people.
It is my observation however, that in our days this is not something that God does with His people. Through the years I have read and heard so much about the will of God and discerning His will in choices that are not clearly directed in the Scriptures. I think that this “teaching about the will of God” is greatly generated by our own fear of making decisions.
And then, there is the possibility that we insert the will of God in our choices to give weight and authority to our choices. Rather than just clearly make a choice and let it be as a personal choice we insert the will of God to justify and authenticate our choice and to involve others in the defense and implementation of our choice.
I believe there is also a fear quotient in this also. We fear the consequences of our choices, so how much better if we find some way to make it a choice of God rather than a choice of our own. Then we do not bear the personal responsibility of our choices.
The discernment of this “will of God” is always something so very subjective. A place we love to rest in this matter is the “peace of God” defense. I find it interesting that this “god” often gives his peace for folks to clearly disobey the clearly revealed word of God.
So often I just wish I could sit down at the table with our Lord and enjoy His clear direction on matters in my life and choices that I clearly must make. It seems however, that He is expecting me to make these choices and satisfy myself with however the consequences shake out. I guess it must be a part of being His adult children!
