AUGUST 15

LISTENING FOR HIS STEPPINGS

“And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the Lord go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.” (2 Sam. 5:24)

Some tremendous dealing of God in this valley, called the valley of Rephaim (valley of the giants), and also the valley of Baca (valley of weeping), because it was the location of the bacaim (mulberry, or weeping trees).

The Philistines had come against David here, and when he enquired of the Lord if he should go up to battle against them, the Lord said, “Go,” and they won a victory. But the next year the enemy returned, so again David enquired of the Lord, and the Lord told him a different course of action, he was to wait until he heard the “sound of a going” in the tops of the mulberry trees, then move out because the Lord would go before him. So he had to wait – in this specific location, the place of weeping. Weeping works a cleansing, a release of emotions and tension, until one is tender and pliable, softly attuned to the voice of the Spirit. Then he would hear “the sound of a GOING…” The Hebrew word is actually “A STEPPING,” for God would be walking in the top of the mulberry trees, ready to lead them to victory.

Adam and Eve heard “the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden.” (Gen. 3:8). But they were unable to follow because they had disobeyed, and in their shame and guilt had hidden themselves. But those who pass through the valley of weeping, until there has been a real inner work wrought in them, when they hear the “STEPPING,” or the Voice of the Lord God WALKING, they will be able to step forth and follow Him into overcoming victory.

David had to wait till he heard this “going,” any action on his part before this would only end in disaster. “The Lord worketh for them that waiteth for Him.” (Isa. 64:4). Learn to wait and listen for His steppings, then your future success is assured.

Ray Prinzing