Trusting God’s Guidance
BRD REFLECTIONS:
1 Samuel 8:1-22 and Psalm 49 (NIV)
(Lisi Wang, CIC Facilitator)
READ:
I was drawn to the following verses from 1 Samuel 8.
v6: Samuel was displeased with their request and went to the Lord for guidance.
v9 “Do as they ask, but solemnly warn them about the way a king will reign over them.”
v19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel’s warning. “Even so, we still want a king,” they said.
OBSERVE:
We see the Israelites approaching Samuel with a demand for a king to rule over them. Despite Samuel’s warning about the consequences of having a human king, they persisted in their desire.
Samuel was displeased with the Israelites’ demands. We do not know if it had anything to do with their rejection of Samuel’s sons, but he did the right thing: He sought divine guidance from the Lord rather than relying on his own wisdom. And God instructed him to grant their request but also to warn them about the implications of their decision. Despite God’s warnings, the people’s desire for a human king overrode their trust in His sovereignty. They forgot that God is the ultimate ruler and instead sought security in earthly power.
APPLY:
Like Samuel, I am often faced with decisions that have significant implications for my life. This reminds me of the importance of earnestly seeking God’s guidance, particularly when the choices I make may lead me away from His will. I must be mindful not to allow worldly desires or pressures to dictate my decisions, but to prioritise God’s guidance above all else. Just as the Israelites rejected God’s kingship in favour of a human ruler, I can also inadvertently reject God’s authority when I prioritise my own desires over His will.
DO:
I will:
- commit to seeking God’s guidance fervently in every decision, big or small.
- trust in His sovereignty and believe His plans are always better than my own.
- let God be the one and only true king over my life, guiding me in all things.
PRAY:
Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times when I have allowed worldly desires to influence my decisions. Please help me to trust and seek You wholeheartedly in all that I do, knowing that You always have my best interest at heart. In Jesus’ most precious name, Amen.
