“Pause and pray to make wise Spirit-led decisions that bring peace and purpose.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 2, 2025
And David enquired of the Lord. 2 Samuel 5:23
One of my weaknesses is acting before thoroughly thinking through and praying about a decision. I get excited and jump forward impulsively, or out of the fear of missing out (FOMO), I barrel ahead, unsure of what to do when I arrive. After confusing myself and others with good intentions but half-baked planning, I am learning that the best outcomes follow a disciplined process of pausing and praying. This means stopping before reacting and seeking God’s wisdom. It looks like taking a deep breath, lifting decisions to Him, and waiting for His guidance. Instead of rushing, I align my choices with His will. Asking before acting, trusting prayer over impulse, faith over fear, and God’s plan over mine. There are lessons to be learned from King David in what it means to pause and pray. Let’s do a deep dive into how God’s servant sought the Lord.
“And David enquired of the Lord” in 2 Samuel 5:23 demonstrates his dependence on God for guidance, particularly in battle. David had just become king over all Israel when the Philistines attacked, challenging his reign. Instead of acting independently, he sought the Lord’s direction. In 2 Samuel 5:19, he asked whether to fight, and God confirmed, promising victory. After his obedience led to success, the Philistines attacked again. Rather than assuming the same strategy would work, David again “enquired of the Lord.” This time, God gave different instructions—to circle behind them. David followed this guidance and achieved another victory. His success stemmed from seeking divine direction before each decision, never relying on past victories or personal wisdom. This account reminds us that every situation requires fresh guidance from God. Rather than acting on assumptions, we should consistently seek His will through prayer before moving forward. Pause, pray, and seize the day in the Spirit’s strength!
Life moves quickly, and it’s easy to rush into decisions driven by emotions or urgency. However, sometimes, the wisest choice is to pause, pray, and wait for God’s guidance. Acting without wisdom can lead to regret, unnecessary stress, or missed opportunities for something better. Consider a time when someone frustrated you at work. Your instinct might be to send an angry email or respond sharply. But pausing to pray for patience and mercy enables you to respond with grace rather than regret. Significant decisions also require waiting on the Lord’s timing. Before making a financial commitment, such as buying a house or changing jobs, seeking divine direction is essential instead of hastily jumping into an uncertain situation. This also applies to relationships. It’s tempting to let emotions take the lead, but praying before starting or ending a relationship can bring clarity and peace. Even in daily life, we often say “yes” to too many commitments. Before overloading yourself, take a moment to ask the Lord if your choices align with His plan. Pause and pray to make wise Spirit-led decisions that bring peace and purpose.
As Pete Greig advises in How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People, “The best way to start praying… is actually to stop… To pause. To be still.” Don’t delay; pause and pray!
Prayer
Lord, help me to pause before I act, seeking Your wisdom in every decision. Quiet my heart, guide my thoughts, and lead me in Your perfect way. I trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application
What are you facing that you need to tap the brakes to pause and pray?
Related Reading
Psalm 46:10; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 40:31; Philippians 4:6-7; James 1:5
Worship Resource
Benjamin William Hastings: From the Inside Out
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