To Caleb and Joshua, spying the land of Canaan was a vision trip that increased their faith. Seeing  the abundance of clusters of grapes, pomegranates, and figs… a land flowing with milk and honey. However, to the ten other spies, the people of the land were too strong. There was no mention of what God could do—they gave a bad report to the Israelites. Their fears, lack of faith, and discouraging report paralyzed the entire nation. As a consequence of their unbelief and negative report, God decreed that their generation would not cross over to the Promised Land. Devastated and in a panic, some insisted they would enter the land despite God’s clear message. In their presumption, they persisted in rising up to overcome the Amalekites and the Cannanites, but were defeated (Numbers 13, 14:1-45). Most unfortunately, they relied on themselves rather than God.

In contrast, when we read the story of David and his men returning to their camp, devastated as they discovered the Amalekites had raided their homes and taken captive their wives and children, we observe a different response. In the midst of bitter weeping and despair, David took time to inquire of the Lord—something that many of us might not often take time to do when overwhelmed by emotions of despair. Scripture recounts David inquired of the Lord: “‘Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?” In other words, “Lord, guide me. What shall I do in this situation?” And God told Him what to do. David followed His instruction and they succeeded in overcoming their attacker (1 Samuel 30:1-30). David chose to rely on God rather than act independently.

Every day, we are challenged in making decisions that affect our lives, but how do we manage? Do I rely on God to direct my every step or do my frantic emotions, ideas, or previous experiences dictate what I should do? God delights in guiding us in every circumstance and we would do well to pause, humble ourselves, and ask Him for direction.