Focusing On God In Troubled Times
BRD REFLECTIONS:
1 Samuel 4:2-22 and Psalm 45 (NIV)
(Ryan Lim, CiC Facilitator)
READ:
The following words uttered by the elders of Israel stood out to me: “Why has the Lord defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord from Shiloh to us, that when it comes among us it may save us from the hand of our enemies.” (I Samuel 4:3b, NKJV)
OBSERVE:
When things go wrong, what is my response? In this passage, the Israelites decided to take out the most tangible object they had of God and expected that it was sufficient to save them. But from the later verse, we know that did not happen.
It got me thinking, is that my response when things are not going my way? Taking out my Bible or Cross, start praying my problems away and expecting God to turn the situation around and give me an immediate victory? I would admit there are times that I have done so, claiming victory. But it always got me thinking, is this the way God wants me to respond?
The Lord’s prayer is “Thy will be done”, and not my will be done. This is not an easy thing to accept, as I want things to go my way. But this verse reminds me that when things do not go my way, my response should not be to just claim it and expect God to do it my way. Rather, it is to surrender to God. While I can pray for the situation to change, my focus should be on God’s will, not mine. Jesus’s prayer at Gethsemane is the best example to follow, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.”
Interestingly, while writing this, I remembered a particular situation in which I was thankful to God for not granting my prayer. I realised a year later that getting that “victory” which I wanted would have resulted in a worse situation. In hindsight, I am so thankful that God is in control.
APPLY:
This verse reminds me that in times of difficulties, my prayer focus should not be on the situation but on God. I must surrender it to God and seek His guidance rather than just pray for the outcome that I want.
DO:
I must remember to focus more on God rather than the situation at hand.
PRAY:
Lord, during these hard times, guide my heart and my mind to focus more on You rather than the problem. Let me remember Your goodness and Your promises always, and know that I can trust the situation in Your hands. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
