Seeking God’s Direction: The Power of Inquiring of the Lord
Why We Must Inquire of the Lord
Life is full of decisions—big and small and when we lead others, whether in a church, a business, or a family, the choices we make impact not just ourselves but those we serve.
The world offers endless strategies for success, but as followers of Christ, our most important question is not “What do I want to do?” but “What does God want me to do?”
First Samuel 23:1 says, “When David was told, ‘Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are looting the threshing floors,’ he inquired of the Lord, saying, ‘Shall I go and attack these Philistines?’ And the Lord answered him, ‘Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah.’”
This short verse carries a powerful principle that I wish I’d remember more often because I tend toward impulsive actions and quick fix solutions: before making a move, inquire of the Lord.
The Danger of Relying on Human Wisdom
Which of these two leadership traps do you tend to fall into most often?
- Avoidance – Passively step back from a challenge – hoping it somehow resolves itself.
- Assumption – Presumptively think you already know the right course because you’ve seen success before.
David could have thought about all those foreskins he gave as an engagement gift (no doubt you’re thankful for that image), “I’ve defeated ‘tens of thousands’ Philistines before like the song says —I’ll just go.” Or he could have said, “I’m already running from Saul. I don’t have time for more trouble.”
Instead, he stopped – to ask God what to do.
How often do we move forward on good intentions and our own solutions without ever asking, “Lord, shall I?”
Information vs. Wisdom
We live in an age of endless information. There are books, podcasts, and conferences that claim to offer the best leadership strategies (ironically, this is another). Ecclesiastes 12:12 warns, “Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body” because knowledge is not the same as wisdom.
True wisdom comes from seeking the Lord’s direction. As Job asked, “Where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell?” (Job 28:12).
The Key Question: Shall I?
David’s greatness as a leader wasn’t in his strength or skill—it was in his seeking. He wanted to hear and follow God’s guidance. So he didn’t just ask “Can I?” but “Shall I?”
- Can I assumes capability.
- Shall I seeks God’s confirmation.
Like David, we must ask, “Is this my fight? Is this my assignment? Is this God’s timing?”
Of course the Lord Jesus modelled this dependence on God’s guidance as in John 5:19 when he said, “The Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing.” Before choosing the twelve disciples, he spent an entire night in prayer (Luke 6:12-13). Even in Gethsemane, he prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42). If Jesus himself inquired of the Father, how much more should we?
How to Inquire of the Lord
- Pray Before You Move
Before making a decision, pause and pray: “Lord, is this what you want me to do?” - Test It Against Scripture
God will never lead you to do something that contradicts His Word. If the Bible says “Thou shalt not,” there’s no need to ask “Shall I?” - Seek Confirmation
David inquired again when his men doubted (1 Samuel 23:4). Sometimes we need to go back to God for further clarity. - Listen for the Holy Spirit’s Leading
Paul was forbidden by the Holy Spirit to enter certain regions (Acts 16:6-7). God’s “no” is just as important as His “yes.” - Obey Without Hesitation
Once God gives the answer, act in faith. David obeyed, and God gave him victory!
The Outcome of Seeking God’s Direction
David’s obedience led to a successful rescue mission. But even more, his practice of inquiring of the Lord kept him aligned with God’s will throughout his life. As soon as he stepped into presuming he knew what to do as a King and stopped seeking God’s guidance, he made devastating mistakes— not going out to fight when he should have done had him staying at home bored and unaccountable, leading to his affair with Bathsheba and that dark spiral of sin that leads to death.
The lesson is clear: When we inquire of the Lord, we walk in His wisdom. When we don’t, we risk disaster.
Final Challenge: Before You Act: Ask Shall I?
Everyone faces tough choices. Before rushing ahead or assuming you know the answer, pause and ask, “Lord, shall I?”
When we follow God’s direction, we can trust Him to provide everything we need.
So….
Let’s be leaders who don’t just assume— but ask. Seek. Wait on God’s direction. And when He says, “Go,” move forward in faith, knowing He’s already gone ahead of us.
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