Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel chapter 10. Here is a link to this Scripture – 2 Samuel 10 NASB1995 – – Bible Gateway
I quote only the following verses.
“Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him in front and in the rear, he selected from all the choice men of Israel, and arrayed them against the Arameans. But the remainder of the people he placed in the hand of Abishai his brother, and he arrayed them against the sons of Ammon. He said, “If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the sons of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will come to help you. Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God; and may the LORD do what is good in His sight.” So Joab and the people who were with him drew near to the battle against the Arameans, and they fled before him. When the sons of Ammon saw that the Arameans fled, they also fled before Abishai and entered the city. Then Joab returned from fighting against the sons of Ammon and came to Jerusalem.” 2 Samuel 10:9-14.
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Many times, we read that Israel, particularly through their King David, inquired of the LORD if and specifically how they should attack and proceed in battle against their enemies. As one example, see 2 Samuel 5:17-25.
And, more generally, we today should ask the LORD if and specifically how we should act.
“5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6.
But, today’s Scripture, particularly the following words, teach us to also more broadly rely on (trust) the LORD to accomplish all that concerns us.
Notice the following words of Joab. “Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God; and may the LORD do what is good in His sight.” Verse 12.
We want to avoid relying on (trusting) our will to specifically ask the LORD if and how to do everything. And, we want to avoid relying on (trusting) our will to do exactly what the LORD tells us to do.
Notice in today’s Scripture that Joab only commanded his army to be strong and courageous. Joab did not ask the LORD if and specifically how to proceed in battle. Jacob did not even ask for victory over their enemies. Jacob only asked “may the LORD do what is good in His sight.”
Now, again, it is certainly OK and even advisable to ask the LORD if and specifically how we should act. But, today’s Scripture helps us avoid the trap and temptation to trust in our own will to ask the LORD and to specifically do what the LORD tells us. Today’s Scripture encourages us to more broadly trust the LORD to accomplish all that concerns us.
Notice how the following Scriptures build our faith to more broadly trust the LORD to accomplish all that concerns us.
“The LORD will accomplish what concerns me;
Your lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8.
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6.
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” Romans 8:28-32.
“For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God. But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-31.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 