“In the course of time, David inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?’ he asked. The Lord said, ‘Go up.’ David asked, ‘Where shall I go?’ ‘To Hebron,’ the Lord answered. So David went up there with his two wives. . . David also took the men who were with him, each with his family, and they settled in Hebron and its towns. Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the tribe of Judah. . . . David . . . sent messengers to them to say to them, ‘The Lord bless you for showing this kindness to Saul your master by burying him.  May the Lord now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this. Now then, be strong and brave, for Saul your master is dead, and the people of Judah have anointed me king over them.'”—2 Samuel 2:1–7 (NIV)

After years of trials, hiding in caves, fleeing from Saul, and experiencing incredible loss, David finally stands at the threshold of a new beginning. Saul is dead, and the throne is within reach. But David doesn’t rush into power. Instead, he pauses and inquires of the Lord.

This simple act—asking God what to do—sets the tone for David’s kingship. He doesn’t assume. He doesn’t presume. He prays: “Shall I go up?” And when God answers, he asks again: “Where shall I go?” This shows a heart of humility and dependence. David knew that just because the way looked open didn’t mean he should move forward without God’s guidance.

How often do we find ourselves in similar places? Maybe a door is opening—a new job, a relationship, an opportunity to step into something we’ve long hoped for. Do we stop to ask God, “Is this the right time? Is this the right place?” Or do we move ahead with our own assumptions?

When God instructs David to go to Hebron, David goes—not alone, but with the people who had been with him in the wilderness. This isn’t just David’s moment of promotion; it’s a shared victory with those who had remained faithful through the hard years. Sometimes, God calls us into a new season not just for our own blessing, but for the sake of others around us.

Then, in a beautiful moment of leadership and grace, David reaches out to the men of Jabesh Gilead, who had risked their lives to retrieve Saul’s body and give him a proper burial (1 Samuel 31). Despite Saul’s long history of opposition, David honors the act of loyalty and bravery. He speaks blessing over them and invites them to find strength in the midst of loss.

David’s first act as king is not to consolidate power, but to bless, honor, and encourage. This reveals the kind of leader he aimed to be—one who walks in step with God and values people.

Today’s passage invites us to reflect on how we approach new seasons. Are we inviting God to lead us, or are we trying to lead ourselves? Are we stepping into new opportunities with humility and honor? And are we taking others with us into what God is doing, acknowledging the people who’ve walked the road with us?

The road ahead may be new, but God’s presence is the same. Ask Him first, walk with Him, and honor those He’s placed beside you.

Pause:

• Are you facing a transition or new opportunity right now? Have you taken time to ask God what He wants you to do?
• Are there people in your life who’ve walked with you through hard seasons? Have you honored and acknowledged them?
  

Practice:

1. Seek God’s Direction: Before moving into your next step, spend time asking God for wisdom and clarity—just as David did.
2. Honor the Faithful: Reach out to someone who has stood by you during hard times. Encourage them, thank them, and bless them.
3. Lead with Grace: Whether you lead at home, at work, or in ministry, remember that true leadership starts with humility, honor, and prayer.

Pray: Lord, thank You for David’s example, who didn’t assume but inquired of You. Help me to be sensitive to Your direction in every season of my life. Teach me to move with humility and to lead with grace. May I never forget the people who’ve supported me in difficult times, and may I bless others as You have blessed me. Show me the next step—and give me the courage to take it in faith. Amen.