Gospel Reflections #982: We gain not merely an answer, but His Presence

1 Samuel 23:9 ‘When David realised that Saul was plotting to kill him, he asked the priest Ahimelech to bring him the ephod.’

This is a crucial moment in which David, having learnt of King Saul’s plot to kill him, seeks God’s guidance.

It was immediately after David had rescued the town of Keilah from the Philistines that he received intelligence that Saul was attempting to besiege him.

David did not rely solely on his intuition or military judgement, but sought first to ascertain ‘God’s will’.

The ephod was a ceremonial garment worn by priests, but it contained the ‘Urim and Thummim’—tools resembling lots—used to inquire of God’s will.

Through this, David is addressing God in a concrete and direct manner.

This scene demonstrates David’s attitude of faith: that when faced with difficulties, one should ‘first come before God and seek His guidance’.

David did not become complacent about his own achievements (saving Keilah), nor did he panic at the threat of the enemy; instead, he used spiritual means to determine his next course of action. 

We too, rather than relying on God vaguely, should ask Him more specifically; in doing so, we gain not merely an answer, but the assurance that God is with us and guiding us.

As we are foolish and weak human beings, we may sometimes rush ahead under the illusion that we know God’s will; yet, grounded in the certainty that God is with us, He will lead us from any situation into His will.

God is the only One in whom we can place our complete trust.

AUTHOR'S BIO: This Gospel Reflections page is written by Masae San, who resides in Hiroshima, Japan. Masae is a dedicated student of the Bible with a deep passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She shares her daily reflections on Gospel perspectives to reach out to others and spread the message of God's true love through a Christ-centered approach. We are sharing her insights here so that you, too, can experience the joy that comes from knowing and understanding the true Gospel and the love of God through Jesus Christ.