1 Samuel 12-14

Saul is in full swing as Israel's king in 1 Samuel 12-14.  God chooses him, but Saul seems to let God take a back seat during his forty year reign.  I have a feeling, it's going to catch up to him in the end.  Already, we read through several mistakes.  Saul impatiently makes burnt offerings to God instead of waiting on Samuel.  He also makes several irrational vows to God that aren't good for God's people, and it almost costs his son, Jonathan, his life.  Saul ignores Samuel's warnings to let God rule in his life and over Israel.  His pride creeps in and gets in the way as he justifies doing things his own way.

Saul has this amazing opportunity from God, and he's blowing it.  It's easy for me to say this on the outside, in hindsight.  And, if I am honest, I have to admit that there have been times I have done the exact same thing.  You know, I've blown it for myself.

There's a lesson in Saul's story.  I found the heart of it in this verse...

24 But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.

1 Samuel 12:24

Saul shows us today that our spiritual health is directly linked to our ability to make good decisions in our lives.  

If we are disconnected from God, if we don't take time to remember and think through all He has done for us, our faith becomes broken little by little.  The effects build, and we are ineffective in living out God's best for us.  God's call becomes impossible before we know it because we forget the source of our blessings.  

We mistakenly take matters into our own hands instead of going to God first to nurture our hearts, our minds, and our souls with His direction and His peace.

As believers, we can breath a sigh of relief that we can learn from Saul.  He reminds us to take time, regularly and intentionally, to CONSIDER all the great things GOD has done for us up to the present time.  

We can face our lives full of joy because we have a Savior, full of mercy and grace, who is Lord and King of our lives, always working things for good and His glory.

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for being my King.  I want You to rule over all the affairs of my life.

Forgive me for all the ways I take matters into my own hands instead of handing them over to You from the start.  

I praise, You Lord, for all the amazing things You have done for me.  I am especially grateful for the way you have ______________________.

I trust You and Your direction.  Help me know the way You need me to go in all situations.

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

Grace and peace,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.