Action; Reason; Result

By Peter Crause

2 Samuel 22:4 I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from my enemies.

Every action taken is based on a reason and an expected result. To merely take action for no reason whatever doesn’t make any sense. To take action with no desired or achievable goal is also an exercise in futility – utter waste of time.

From our point of view, the order is firstly the need; we then consider where we will get relief – someone who is capable to help. Then lastly we make our request known to the one we considered able and worthy to supply that need. From God’s point of view, we begin with Him; express faith and get results.

King David is the one who spoke these words. He had faced and won many battles against numerous enemies. He had learned from experience how God worked on his behalf. When in need, he went to the Lord. When in victory, he went to the Lord. God was the centre of his life. Nothing was done without taking thought of the Lord. Reading the many Psalms he penned gives us an insight into the mind of David. We also get insight into his sinfulness; his acknowledgment of it and his reliance on the Lord’s forgiveness. In all his interactions with God, he had learnt about the character and wishes of the Lord. He had built a strong understanding; which yielded a strong faith; which gave him cause to “bless the Lord at all times…His praise shall continually be in my mouth”. David thus knew from personal experience how to overcome. It’s not good enough to “coast” on someone else’s faith – you need to develop your own faith and trust – by experience; facing good and bad and seeing the Lord’s deliverance in all situations!

I will call upon the Lord

Here is the action David took – and the action we need to take when facing spiritual enemies and other needs. Many times it seems the last thing we do in desperation is to “call on the Lord” Seeking help for relief from anyone before first seeking guidance and help from the Lord is not the way God’s people should act. The Lord may well tell you to request help from some person or institution; but we must seek Him first!

I read a story of Paul Yonghi Cho of Korea who pastors the biggest church in the world. In early days when the congregation size began growing, the need for building facilities grew and a vision was born for a very large facility – costing many millions of dollars. After seeking the Lord in prayer, he felt the Lord say he was to approach a certain bank for the loan – with no natural security whatever. The Lord’s word to him was; “Act like a bigshot”. He got the loan! Yes; a human institution provided the need; but it was God’s providence and overruling that gave the desired result. He sought the Lord first, then followed the Lord’s guidance and received the desired loan.

David said; “I will call upon the Lord” – this is the action he took; this is the action we should take.

Psalm 145:18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

Isaiah 55:6 Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near:

Romans 10:12 for there is no difference between Jew and Gentile: for the same Lord over all is rich to all that call upon him.

Romans 10:13 for whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Decide in your heart and mind today, that henceforth the Lord will be the first to know your need; the first person you ask for help and guidance.

Who is worthy to be praised

In this small statement made by King David I see faith born from years of experience with God and in His Word. “Worthiness” is not arbitrarily bestowed on anyone – it is something earned. “Worthiness” is ascribed to those who have proved themselves to be reliable, trustworthy, honest, truthful, faithful and able to perform their promises in a timely manner. David had found God to be worthy of praise. The Lord had “lived up to His promises” – He had “come through” for David so many times that he could no longer doubt His integrity. All David could do was praise Him!

Have you found Him “worthy of praise” yet? The supply of the need for which David sought gave cause to praise. The need was supplied because he had sought the Lord – all aspects are linked. Action! Reason! Result! Result gives reason. Reason gives action! Action strengthens reason; reason brings results.

Faith moves the “hand of God” on your behalf. Praise is an expression of faith. Praise for past results and praise in assurance of a present sure result. Seek the Lord and come before Him with praise and thanksgiving and wait for the result!

So shall I be saved from my enemies.

This was the desired result David wanted and got. It was received because he had sought the Lord in faith.

2 Samuel 22:18 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me.

David’s enemies were natural and human; but behind them was Satan and his hoards. Every enemy of God’s people has its roots in our spiritual enemy. Like David’s problem, these enemies are too strong for us to overcome – but remember “greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world!” We have God on our side; who is greater than any enemy we may face. Deliverance from our enemies is achievable as we firstly seek Him; in faith and with thanksgiving and praise.

Follow God’s pattern and see results that will cause you to praise yet more and more.