“Go, Attack The Philistines

And Save Keilah”

When David was told, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are looting the threshing floors,” he inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?”

The Lord answered him, “Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah.”

But David’s men said to him, “Here in Judah we are afraid. How much more, then, if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces!”

Once again David inquired of the Lord, and the Lord answered him, “Go down to Keilah, for I am going to give the Philistines into your hand.” So David and his men went to Keilah, fought the Philistines and carried off their livestock. He inflicted heavy losses on the Philistines and saved the people of Keilah.

1 Samuel 23: 1-5

We should begin every effort with prayer to God. We should ask for His help.

Prayer becomes a priority when we realize that we need God’s help. David needed God’s assistance in a dangerous situation as he considered fighting the Philistines in the city of Keilah. God gave His approval. However, David’s men admitted that the enemy forces intimidated them. Before a single word was lifted against the Philistines, David promised him the victory he later claimed.

Does prayer guide our lives, or is it our last resort when trouble strikes? We sometimes fall into the habit of making plans and then asking God to bless them, or praying only in moments of desperation. God wants us to turn to Him in moments of need. But He wants us to remember that we need Him all the time.

God wants us to pray before we do anything at all.

Our Daily Bread – April 13, 2015