May The Lord Do What Seems Good To Him

During David’s reign, the Ammonites, assisted by the Syrians, confronted the army of Israel. Joab, captain of Israel’s army, with the Syrians on one side and the Ammonites on the other, divided his forces between himself and his brother Abishai. He then said to Abishai: “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him” (2 Samuel 10:11-12).

I’m particularly struck by the phrase “may the Lord do what seems good to him.” In addition to their personal courage, they were dependent on God’s help, whatever that might entail. They simply asked that God do what seemed good to Him. Do you sometimes find yourself at a loss to know what to pray for, or how to put it into words?

Maybe we should just ask God to do what seems good to Him.

If you are like me, you have prayed many times for someone’s health to improve, only to watch them slowly decline. I know we should pray for the sick, and I know that God hears and responds to those prayers (James 5:14-16). Yet, His response is often not the one we were seeking. I don’t question it for I know He knows best.

It seems to me that Jesus and the early disciples had a pretty good grasp of this idea. It is repeatedly expressed in their plans and petitions. They sought the Lord’s will, and not their own. In the garden Jesus begged the Father for a way out of His impending crucifixion, yet said each time, “your will be done” (Matthew 26:39, 41, 44). Paul often spoke of his plans for ministry, but acknowledged that all such plans were subject to the will of God (Acts 18:21; 1 Corinthians 4:19). James admonished his readers to make all their plans submissive to God’s will (James 4:15).

God knows best, even when we cannot see it.

I look at the turmoil in our world, man’s inhumanity to man, wars, famine, disease and I am compelled to respond, “May the Lord do what seems good to Him.”

I look at those battling cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and a host of other physical problems and pray, “May the Lord do what seems good to Him.”

I look at those struggling with financial burdens, a lost job, a bad investment, a failed business and ask, “May the Lord do what seems good to Him.”

I look at a world similar to the one Paul confronted in the first century when men worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25), and can only respond, “May the Lord do what seems good to Him.”

I look at souls who are lost, some having heard the gospel repeatedly and others not at all, and I pray, “May the Lord do what seems good to Him.”

Yes, we must be strong and courageous, but remember that God is stronger, and He knows best.

May we always pray that God will do what seems good to Him!