The Signal

When you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees, go out and attack! That will be the signal that God is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistine army.” I Chronicles 14:15

God’s presence is only enjoyed on God’s terms. David had two opportunities to fight the attacking Philistines.  He walked in obedience both times by asking the Lord what to do.  The Lord gave his instructions but based on His strategy. The second time of attack, the instructions from the Lord were that they were to circle around the poplar tree. At the sound like matching feet in the tops of the poplar tree. Definitely they needed the listening skills in this case.

Obedience is key in listening. Mark 4:24 says “Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given and you will receive even more." David listened and followed instructions, the first strategy was different as compared to the second and both times they worn the battle because the Lord was fighting for them. Their victory happened because David was listening to His instructions. The scripture actually says, the Lord “..burst through” (in1Chronicles 14:11) and the army was able to strike down the Philistines.

David feared, obeyed, and listened to God and that brought victory.  God was fighting for Israel during this time as they walked in obedience. Spending time with God listening honors Him and gives us the opportunity to hear His voice.  The journey in the wilderness would have taken only eleven days had the Israelites listened and paid close attention to God’s voice and walked in obedience.  Disobedience delays progress in our Christian walk. The amazing thing is that we have such a loving and kind God who is always ready to draw us close to Him when we call.

Pray your response to the Lord personally, meaningfully and genuinely.

Reflections: God isn’t restricted to one method or technique to accomplish His purposes. 

“Delayed obedience is disobedience”.

David enlightens us in Psalm 119:60 “I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands.”