David’s settlement had been raided by dreaded Amalekites, and his own men were ready to kill him. But David found strength in God and then asked for direction. Should he go after the raiders or not? God said yes, promising he would recover everything that had been taken (1 Samuel 30). David did, just as God said.
But why did David even have to ask? God had said yes to his battles so many times before that David could easily have assumed victory. But David knew something many of us forget: We don’t live by principles; we live by the voice of God. Every situation is different, and we need to listen for His direction.
One-time direction from God does not imply a general policy thereafter. He leads moment by moment. It’s best that way; otherwise, we would develop a relationship with policies and principles rather than with God Himself. He’s far too personal for that. Choose to live in relationship, and let the conversation continue — in every situation.