WALK BY THE SPIRIT
“And David enquired of the Lord.” (2nd Samuel 5:23)
Imagine if you will that you could travel back in time and spend a few days with the Biblical character of your choice – which one would you choose? Ok, you have made your choice, and now you have been transported to Biblical times where dawn is breaking, and the both of you are together there in one place. Now you will be instructed to ask your new friend one question, and this question must be relative to building upon your personal spiritual growth – what would you ask?
As I pondered this question myself, I reasoned that the most crucial thing I could know, practically speaking was, “How may I walk today filled and directed by the Holy Spirit?” There is no doubt that Jesus pleased His Father; and when one looks at His life example, He was always desirous of pleasing God. He even rose early each day to determine the Father’s will. How can we know, as Jesus did, that our lives are bringing pleasure to our Father in heaven?
The Scriptures state that if we walk by the Spirit, we will not carry out the desires of the flesh – walking in the Spirit, by the Spirit is the key to a God-directed and God-pleasing life.
Have you ever sensed the leading of God so plainly that you were compelled to move in that direction? Or better yet, have you encountered the small, still voice of God directing you undeniably? So many saints have, and it is because they intentionally walk by the Spirit, and the things of this life have little or no value compared to that of hearing and obeying God. Let us consider just a few Biblical examples.
Acts 8:26-39 tells us the story of Philip and the Ethiopian. Philip was known as a man “full of the Spirit and wisdom;” and he was ready at any moment to hear and do God’s will.
Philip was not “wowed” by the fact that an angel guided him (vs.26). Nor did he faint when “The Spirit told him…” exactly what to do (vs.29). Philip walked by the Spirit.
Acts 13:1,2 states that the church was assembled, and as they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” God was alive and in their midst giving guidance.
2nd Samuel 5:23 is a stunning illustration of how man seeks God’s purpose, and how God Almighty delivers. King David inquires of the Lord: “Shall I go and attack the Philistines?” God answered and said, “Yes.” David obeys and has victory, but then the Philistines come a second time. David does not presume that he shall have victory; nor does he rally the forces and run back out on the field a second time. David again inquires of the Lord and waits for His sign. David was about the Father’s business, not his own, he too was a man who walked by the Spirit.
Just as we have asked our imaginary friend how to walk directed by the Spirit, so we must ask our Lord with each new day, “How may I please You?” This is indeed what Paul was referring to when he admonished believers to “Pray without ceasing.” Walk in the Spirit; live to love Him and obey Him, and He will direct your path.