Unless we’ve been there a time or two, most of us need good directions, including landmarks, mile markers and visible signs. Directions, however, do not always have to do with geography, but we especially need to know what to do and how to respond when someone attacks us. Instinctively, when we come under attack, we attack back in our defense, but which way should you go when someone attacks your character or your place of authority and position? If you’ve been around for any length of time, you have to know an attack will come, and you should know there are directions for every attack and conflict. God’s Word is such an incredible navigator to help us survive the unexpected conflicts and attacks that come to us. You can trust the good directions found in God’s word in an Old Testament story of when David the King and all of Israel came under attack by the Philistines.
2 Samuel 5:17-20 Now when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. And David heard [of it] and went down to the stronghold. 18 The Philistines also went and deployed themselves in the Valley of Rephaim. 19 So David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” And the LORD said to David, “Go up, for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into your hand.” 20 So David went to Baal Perazim, and David defeated them there; and he said, “The LORD has broken through my enemies before me, like a breakthrough of water.” Therefore he called the name of that place Baal Perazim.
Do you see the directions when you come under attack? When the Philistines “went up,” David “went down.” David didn’t presume to go up or out against the Philistines, as perhaps he really wanted to, but rather he went down to the stronghold to get directions from the Lord. God was the one who gave David the authority to “go up” against the Philistines and be victorious. David had a history of going down and inquiring of the Lord before he ever went to battle with an enemy. David understood that victories in battle rested exclusively in the power and presence of Almighty God.
Let me encourage you with these directions today. When the enemy attacks, and he will in some way, shape or form, make sure you “go down” before you ever “go up or out” against your enemy. God may want to change their heart about attacking you. God is always looking to see what your reaction will be and if you are depending on Him or not. Don’t be so quick to defend yourself, but “go down” in humility before God. If you “go down” before God when the enemy attacks, the chances of you “going up” with God before you and getting victory are guaranteed.
