How can we apply seeking God's will in our daily decision-making? Setting the Scene—Judges 20:27 “ And the Israelites inquired of the LORD. (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there,) ” What Stands Out in the Text - Israel paused from action to seek God first. - They came to the ark—the visible symbol of God’s presence—and asked, not assumed. - The inquiry happened after worship, fasting, and sacrifice (v. 26), underscoring humility. Timeless Principles We Can Carry Forward - God invites His people to ask before acting. - Worship prepares the heart to hear. - Humility—shown through fasting or other self-denial—aligns us with His purposes. - Seeking is ongoing; Israel asked repeatedly across three days (vv. 18, 23, 28). Daily Practices for Discerning God’s Will 1. Pause Before You Proceed - Build in brief “ark moments”—a quiet pause to acknowledge God—before meetings, purchases, or replies. 2. Center on His Presence - Open Scripture; let His revealed Word govern every subjective impression (Psalm 119:105). 3. Worship First, Then Decide - Play a worship song, thank Him aloud, or read a psalm; worship shifts focus from self to Sovereign. 4. Fast from Hurry - Even a skipped meal or a technology fast can sharpen spiritual hearing (Acts 13:2). 5. Ask Specific Questions - “Lord, is this choice consistent with Your Word?” - “Will this glorify You or just gratify me?” 6. Listen Through the Word and the Spirit - The Spirit never contradicts Scripture (John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:12). 7. Seek Confirming Counsel - “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). 8. Obey the Light You Have - Delay often stems from reluctance, not uncertainty; move forward when the next step is clear (James 4:17). Key Passages That Illuminate the Process - Proverbs 3:5-6 —“Trust in the LORD with all your heart…He will make your paths straight.” - Romans 12:1-2 —Offer yourself, renew your mind, and discern His good, pleasing, perfect will. - James 1:5 —Ask for wisdom; God gives generously without reproach. - Psalm 37:4-5 —Delight in Him; commit your way to Him, and He will act. - John 10:27 —“My sheep hear My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” Putting It All Together - Make seeking God’s will a rhythm, not a rescue plan. - Let Scripture, worship, and humble inquiry mark every decision doorway. - Expect Him to guide—He delights in responding when His people “inquire of the LORD.” |
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