Inquire

While a person may value independence, when it comes to specific needs there is usually someone or somewhere they turn for insight. A person may feel confident handling yardwork or home repairs, yet seek counsel for interior design or cooking. Experience — or the lack of it — naturally reveals where guidance is needed, especially when going it alone has produced less-than-desirable results. Just as important as recognizing the need for counsel, however, is choosing the right source. With endless voices offering opinions and perspectives, the quality of counsel often determines the outcome.

In God, we have been given a source of counsel that is always accessible. While many daily tasks can be handled through developed skill and experience, other matters invite inquiry — inquiries that are often directed toward surrounding influences. Though some sources may appear reliable, those in Christ carry the witness of the Spirit within, guiding us with a clarity and dependability no earthly source can provide.

David modeled this posture well. Even in areas where he could have confidently relied on his own skill and judgment, he consistently inquired of the Lord. Through this singular pursuit of divine counsel, he received life-preserving direction, overcame unlikely conflicts, and fulfilled his God-given purpose.

This season of denying the flesh provides a powerful opportunity to strengthen this practice of inquiry. Rather than merely turning away from things we often depend upon, we can intentionally turn toward the Source of life for wisdom in the matters that truly shape our lives. God hears and responds to every sincere inquiry that flows from a heart of worship.

Notes

Inquire – to acquire and adhere to answers from the counsel of an honored influence.

“Inquire” is included in “One” desired thing

Psalms 27:1-8 (NKJV) 1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell. 3 Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident. 4 One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple. 5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. 6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD. 7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. 8 When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, "Your face, LORD, I will seek."

For God to “Do It” – Must be considered/inquired of.

1 Chronicles 14:8-12 (NLT) 8 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they mobilized all their forces to capture him. But David was told they were coming, so he marched out to meet them. 9 The Philistines arrived and made a raid in the valley of Rephaim. 10 So David asked God, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?” The LORD replied, “Yes, go ahead. I will hand them over to you.” 11 So David and his troops went up to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. “God did it!” David exclaimed. “He used me to burst through my enemies like a raging flood!” So they named that place Baal-perazim (which means “the Lord who bursts through”). 12 The Philistines had abandoned their gods there, so David gave orders to burn them.

Inquiring is enabled by established honor through abiding.

Proximity is determined by pure calling.

Psalms 145:18 (NLT) 18 The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.

When He speaks – the heart condition is critical.

Hebrews 3:7-8 (NLT) 7 That is why the Holy Spirit says, “Today when you hear his voice, 8 don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled, when they tested me in the wilderness.

When He speaks, it is by the Spirit, a gift on the inside.

God’s passion is to answer His own.

Isaiah 65:24 (TLB) 24 I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking to me about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!

The Spirit’s voice will guide

Isaiah 30:21 (NLT) 21 Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.

God’s response to a call…

Psalms 91:14-16 (NLT) 14 The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. 15 When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. 16 I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”

Identity as His comes from calling on Him, not just claiming Him.

Zechariah 13:9 (NLT) 9 I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure. I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘These are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’”

Inquiring establishes identity as God’s children.

Following the voice of His response confirms our identity as children.

Romans 8:14-16 (TLB) 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 And so we should not be like cringing, fearful slaves, but we should behave like God’s very own children, adopted into the bosom of his family, and calling to him, “Father, Father.” 16 For his Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we really are God’s children.

The confident approach finds mercy and grace in His answer.

Hebrews 4:15-16 (NLT) 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Overview

Inquire: To acquire and adhere to counsel from an honored source.
Inquiring reflects humility, honor, and dependence on God rather than self.
David’s “one thing” was to dwell in God’s presence and inquire of Him. (Psalm 27:4)
Breakthrough follows obedience to God’s direction, not assumption or past success. (1 Chronicles 14:8–12)
Inquiring is enabled through abiding and established honor.
God draws near to those who call on Him in truth. (Psalm 145:18)
A soft heart is essential for hearing God’s voice. (Hebrews 3:7–8)
God speaks by His Spirit within, guiding with clarity and direction. (Isaiah 30:21)
God is eager to answer those who call upon Him. (Isaiah 65:24; Psalm 91:14–16)
Identity as God’s people is established through calling on Him and responding to His voice. (Zechariah 13:9; Romans 8:14–16)
Believers approach God confidently to receive mercy and grace for timely help. (Hebrews 4:15–16)

Prayer:

Father, I choose to rely on You rather than my own understanding. Teach me to inquire of You first in every decision and every season. Keep my heart soft, attentive, and responsive to Your Spirit. I desire Your presence more than my own independence. Guide me with clarity, guard me with wisdom, and lead me in the way that brings life and peace. Thank You for drawing near when I call, for answering with grace, and for establishing my identity as Your child. I trust Your voice. I follow Your leading. My life is shaped by Your counsel. In Jesus’ Name

Declarations

I inquire, seek, and follow the counsel of an honored source — the Lord Himself.
I choose dependence on God over independence from Him.
God invites me to dwell in His presence and inquire of Him continually. (Psalm 27)
Breakthrough follows obedience to God’s direction, not assumption. (1 Chronicles 14)
God draws near to me when I call on Him in truth. (Psalm 145:18)
A soft heart allows me to clearly hear the Spirit’s voice. (Hebrews 3:7–8)
The Holy Spirit within me guides my steps with clarity and peace. (Isaiah 30:21; Romans 8)
My identity as God’s child is strengthened as I call on Him and follow His leading.
I approach God confidently, knowing He gives mercy, grace, and timely help. (Hebrews 4)