During David’s days as a “fugitive” from King Saul, he heard of a city (a little place called Keilah) that had been overrun by the Philistines, Israel’s perennial enemies.

“Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors.” 1 Samuel 23:1

Their crops, stolen!

David, with his good heart, had become sort of a benefactor to the communities in which he lived, sojourned, secreted himself.

The people of Keilah needed help!

What was David to do?

The next verse, 1 Samuel 23:2 tells us: “Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines?”

When indecisive, seek the Lord’s Face, His Counsel!

“And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.”

Which David (and his mighty men) did!

“So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.” 1 Samuel 23:5

Victory!

But why write about this incident, and call it a devotional? Has it any practical value for us today?

Yes indeed.

PICK YOUR BATTLES CAREFULLY, UNDER THE CLEAR DIRECTION OF THE DEAR LORD!

Friends, you cannot fight every enemy that comes your way. If so, you will become hardened and embittered. You cannot correct every errant situation in life!

So we must, like David, ask the Lord when to engage!

And I promise you, He will let you know!

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Minor skirmishes might not be worth the time and effort.

But when the fundamentals are involved … when the Philistines need a good “whipping” … FIGHT!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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