“2026: Year of the Explosion” Day 4: Submit all decisions to the Lord.

“When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went out against them. Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the Valley of Rephaim. And David inquired of God, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the Lord said to him, “Go up, and I will give them into your hand.””

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭14‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Have you ever noticed that many people—even many Christians—will quickly blame God for how things are going in their life, when the fact is, they have rarely—if ever—included Him in any of their decisions? Now, have you ever been one of those people?

The truth is, unless we have fully submitted our lives to the Lord, fully made Him central to our decision-making, as well as actively seeking to do His will, He has no responsibility, nor is there any promise, that He is directing our path, guarding our way, or even removing obstacles standing between us and our victory.

The writer of Proverbs clearly expresses the interaction between actively submitting our lives to the Lord, and finding clarity, direction, and obstacle removal:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Sadly, many people foolishly forfeit the priceless direction, provision, and protection, afforded through submission to the Lord’s will.

Indeed, we find often repeated throughout the Bible, God’s displeasure of His people who were determined to do things their own way. Here is but one of those references:

“Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel, “Because you despise this word and trust in oppression and perverseness and rely on them, therefore this iniquity shall be to you like a breach in a high wall, bulging out and about to collapse, whose breaking comes suddenly, in an instant; and its breaking is like that of a potter’s vessel that is smashed so ruthlessly that among its fragments not a shard is found with which to take fire from the hearth, or to dip up water out of the cistern.” For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” But you were unwilling, and you said, “No! We will flee upon horses”; therefore you shall flee away; and, “We will ride upon swift steeds”; therefore your pursuers shall be swift.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭30‬:‭12‬-‭16‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Our opening scripture brings us to the point in the Baal-Perazim story where David, hearing about the plans of the Philistines, submits his plan to the Lord, asking what he should do. And we see, having inquired of the Lord, the Lord gave his approval for David’s plan, and promised He would give him the victory.

Child of God, let us not be found engaging in the unforced error of rejecting the counsel of God and clinging tenaciously, even self-destructively, to our own ideas. God knows best. Let’s ask Him!

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!