I have been preaching in 2 Samuel. King Saul was just killed and the throne was vacant. David and his 600 men were still living in a cave. This was 13 years since David was anointed by Samuel as the next king of Israel. The Bible has been very certain about time, later saying that David was King of Judah for 7 years 6 months.
In 2 Samuel 2: 1 it says, in the course of time. David did not immediately rush to take the throne, which was his right, but waited for some time. We want what we want and we want it NOW! David waited until it was time.
David inquired of God should I go up to Judah, God said yes. Which city? God said Hebron. Notice how immediate God responded to David. I have heard people say that they don't think their prayers even reach the ceiling and don't believe that God is responding.
The problem is that we are too far away from God to hear Him! We need to stay close to God, reading the Bible, praying, worshiping Him. When we do, then we will hear Him.