What steps can we take to ensure our actions align with God's will? The Verse in Focus “Just then David’s soldiers and Joab returned from a raid, bringing with them a great deal of plunder. Abner was no longer with David in Hebron because David had sent him on his way in peace.” — 2 Samuel 3:22 What We Notice in the Scene • David had welcomed Abner, an unexpected ally, and dismissed him “in peace.” • Joab, unaware of David’s decision, arrived full of battle-energy and suspicion. • A sharp contrast emerges between David’s purposeful, peace-oriented choice and Joab’s soon-to-come, self-driven reaction (vv. 26-27). • The narrative invites us to consider whose conduct mirrors God’s heart. Steps That Keep Our Actions in Step with God’s Will 1. Seek God’s guidance before acting • David listened for the Lord’s unfolding plan (2 Samuel 3:17-21). • Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” • Practical move: pause, pray, and consult Scripture before decisions big or small. 2. Embrace peace where God provides it • David recognized God’s hand in Abner’s change of allegiance and chose peace. • Romans 12:18 — “If it is possible… live at peace with everyone.” • Ask: Does this choice promote the peace God values, or is it fueled by unresolved anger? 3. Refuse knee-jerk reactions • Joab’s impulsive vengeance (v. 27) shows how fast we can step outside God’s will. • James 1:19-20 — “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God.” • Slow down your response; give the Spirit room to redirect emotions. 4. Measure motives against Scripture • David’s motive: unify Israel under God’s anointed king. • Joab’s motive: personal revenge (v. 30). • Hebrews 4:12 — “For the word of God… judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” • Hold your motives up to the light of the Word; anything selfish gets exposed fast. 5. Listen to godly counsel • Later, David publicly mourned Abner, signaling to Israel where he stood (vv. 31-39), and his men followed suit. • Proverbs 15:22 — “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Invite trusted believers to speak into your plans; isolation fosters missteps. 6. Stay submitted to God-given authority • Joab’s rebellion wasn’t just personal—it was insubordination to the king God had installed. • Romans 13:1 — “There is no authority except from God.” • Even when we disagree, we honor God by honoring the structures He put in place, unless they require us to sin (Acts 5:29). 7. Walk in the Spirit daily • Galatians 5:16 — “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • Consistent prayer, Scripture intake, and obedience keep our spiritual “compass” calibrated. Putting It into Practice • Begin each day with Psalm 119:105 on your lips: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • When faced with a decision, jot down the options, pray over them, and list any Scriptures that speak directly. • Ask a mature believer to double-check your conclusions. • Choose the path that promotes peace, reflects clear biblical principles, and requires faith, not impulse. The Outcome We Can Expect Psalm 37:23 assures us, “The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way.” Following these steps doesn’t remove every challenge, but it does place us squarely inside the delight of our Father—exactly where we want to be. |
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