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It is good to seek guidance from others. But, make no mistake, this is no substitute for seeking and heeding God’s guidance.
Consider, for example, when David wanted to take the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem.
1 Chronicles 13:1 (NKJV) states: Then David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader.
While the scripture above shows that David sought guidance from others, in the scriptures that follow there is no mention of David seeking guidance from the Lord. But with the approval of the people, David proceeded to move the ark. So how was it moved?
1 Chronicles 13:7 (NKJV) states: So they carried the ark of God on a new cart from the house of Abinadab, and Uzza and Ahio drove the cart.
Carrying the ark on a “new cart” seemed like a good idea, right? Wrong. Here are two reasons why.
Exodus 25:14 records God’s instructions about how the ark was to be carried. The scripture states: You shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, that the ark may be carried by them (NKJV).
Also, Numbers 4:15 not only records God’s instructions for who should carry the ark, but the penalty for touching the holy items. The scripture states: And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, when the camp is set to go, then the sons of Kohath shall come to carry them; but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These are the things in the tabernacle of meeting which the sons of Kohath are to carry (NKJV).
Neither of God’s instructions regarding the ark of the covenant were met in David’s plan. What happened next?
1 Chronicles 13:9-10 (NKJV) states: And when they came to Chidon’s threshing floor, Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark, for the oxen stumbled. Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against Uzza, and He struck him because he put his hand to the ark; and he died there before God.
Uzza’s death was a tragic turn of events. But we must remember that in Numbers 4:15 (NKJV) God had instructed: they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die.
Consider the difference in outcome when David, now king over all Israel, sought the Lord’s guidance because the Philistines were searching for him.
1 Chronicles 14:10 (NKJV) states: And David inquired of God, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” The Lord said to him, “Go up, for I will deliver them into your hand.”
David asked God for guidance. God provided it. Then in obedience to God’s instruction, David pressed ahead. His enemies were defeated.
One of the countless benefits that arise out of our relationship with God is that we can go to God for guidance. And not just about the big things of life. But about the everyday routine things of life as well.
As David did in 1 Chronicles 14:10, we too can ask God for guidance. No matter what it is, let us seek the Lord so that He may tell us the way to go.
Psalm 32:8 (NKJV) states: I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.
Except where indicated, scripture references are from the American Standard Version (ASV), Darby Translation (DARBY), or King James Version (KJV) – all public domain.
