How can we seek godly counsel when facing trials, as David did? The Crisis and David’s Response “ So David fled and escaped and went to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. Then he and Samuel went to Naioth and stayed there.” (1 Samuel 19:18) Why Samuel Was the Right Choice • Prophet of God—recognized mouthpiece of the Lord (1 Samuel 3:19–20). • Spiritual father—Samuel had anointed David and knew God’s plan for him (1 Samuel 16:1-13). • Safe refuge—Ramah provided distance from Saul and space to hear from God together. Biblical Foundations for Seeking Counsel • Proverbs 11:14—“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.” • Proverbs 15:22—“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Psalm 1:1—Godly counsel avoids the “counsel of the wicked.” • James 1:5—Ask God first; He supplies wisdom generously. • Hebrews 13:7—Imitate leaders whose lives prove faithful. Key Qualities of a Godly Counselor • Grounded in Scripture and willing to speak it plainly (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Known character—consistent obedience and humility (Philippians 2:3-4). • Courage to confront sin, like Nathan with David (2 Samuel 12:1-7). • Prayerful dependence on the Lord, not personal opinion (Colossians 1:9). • Commitment to your good and God’s glory, never self-gain (Proverbs 27:9). Practical Steps for Seeking Counsel Today • Pray first: invite God to direct you to the right person (Psalm 37:23). • Identify mature believers—pastors, elders, seasoned friends—whose lives exhibit fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). • Share the whole story as David “told him all that Saul had done.” Honesty opens the door for accurate guidance. • Listen with humility; weigh counsel against Scripture (Acts 17:11). • Act promptly on biblical advice; lingering often deepens the trial. • Stay connected—ongoing accountability sustains obedience (Hebrews 10:24-25). Blessings That Follow Obedient Counsel • Protection from rash or sinful reactions (Proverbs 19:20). • Clearer sense of God’s direction, as David received prophetic insight for future steps. • Strengthened faith community—shared burdens knit hearts together (Galatians 6:2). • Preparedness for future leadership; David’s exile years shaped him for the throne (Psalm 57 superscription). Warning From Ignoring Counsel Rehoboam rejected the elders and followed reckless voices, fracturing the kingdom (1 Kings 12:13-19). Disregarding godly input courts disaster. Living It Out • Schedule regular check-ins with trusted mentors. • Cultivate a teachable spirit; keep repentance quick and obedience joyful. • Offer the same kind of counsel to others, pointing them to Christ and His Word (2 Corinthians 1:4). |
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