David had just crushed the Philistines in battle. They had come against him with massive armies, but by God's help, David sent them running. Victory was sweet and decisive.

But mark this well! When the Philistines regrouped and came back for round two, David did not charge into battle without enquiring of the Lord. He could have reasoned like so many do: "I won before, I'll win again. God blessed me once, surely he'll do it again. Why waste time asking when I already know the answer?"

Not so, David! He had won the first battle by the Lord's strength, and he would not venture upon another until he had ensured the same power. "Shall I go up against them?" he asked. And he waited. He waited until God gave the sign.

Learn this from David: take no step without God. Christian, if you would know the path of duty, make God your compass! If you must steer your ship through dark billows, put the tiller in the Almighty's hands! How many rocks might be escaped if we would let our Father take the helm! How many shoals and quicksands we might avoid if we would leave to his sovereign will to choose and to command!

An old Puritan declared: "As sure as ever a Christian carves for himself, he'll cut his own fingers." This is a great truth! Another divine said, "He that goes before the cloud of God's providence goes on a fool's errand." And so he does!

We must mark God's providence leading us; and if providence tarries, tarry till providence comes. The one who rushes ahead of providence will be very glad to run back again.

God promises his people, "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go." So then, take all your perplexities to him, and say, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?"

Leave not your chamber this morning without enquiring of the Lord!