I Samuel 30:7 “Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, ‘Please bring me the ephod.’ So Abiathar brought the ephod to David.”

Do you remember this ephod? It was probably the same one Ahimelech had at Nob behind which the sword of Goliath was hidden. His son, Abiathar, had brought it with him when he joined David. Why was this ephod used to talk to God? The priest had the ephod in which contained the stones used to cast lots to hear from God. God had initiated that means of communication long ago when Aaron was the priest. David knew that, of course, and wanted to get clear direction from God before proceeding.

Think about it for a second. David and all his men had just returned to find their city destroyed and all their wives and children missing. But he stopped long enough to seek God’s counsel instead of reacting out of the flesh. His men were ready to stone him, but he turned to God for guidance.

We need to help our children learn this lesson. When the world seems to be falling apart all around them, that is the VERY time they need to stop and pray. God is aware of their circumstances. He has the answer, but they must ask Him. He won’t just jump in if they aren’t seeking him.

Jesus tells us to seek first the kingdom of God. If we do that, He promises to add all things to us. If we seek His wisdom and truth, He will guide us in the right path. Now, that path may not be easy. David had to go fight the Amalekites for about two whole days to get his family back, but he did. He and his army followed the Lord’s counsel and attacked.

Will you follow the Lord’s counsel today? Will you show your children that they too must seek the Lord and then do what He says, no matter what He says? If we do that and teach them to do the same, we will find that God is ready to guide and provide.