1 Chronicles 9:35-11:3
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Chronicles+9%3A35+-11%3A3&version=NIV
What stood out for me today are the comments about Saul at the end of chapter 10. The author points to three illustrations of Saul’s unfaithfulness that led to his demise.
- Did not keep the Word of the Lord
- Consulted a medium
- Did not inquire of the Lord
These three are related. Instead of trusting in the Word of the Lord and putting his confidence in Him alone, Saul looked elsewhere. He did not pray to the Lord for guidance, but instead turned to the occult for guidance. This, of course, is expressly forbidden by the Law, as a violation of the 1st commandment, to trust and rely on God alone.
Of these three, the one that drew my attention is the last one. Saul did not inquire of the Lord. Am I inquiring of the Lord? Am I turning to the Lord for guidance on the decisions I am facing? Do I pray to Him for direction and wait for His answer? Or do I plan my own way, and then ask the Lord to bless what I’ve already decided to do?
I know I am guilty of the latter at times. So in my prayer today I am praying for forgiveness for this error, as well as greater faithfulness in relying on the Lord’s guidance for the issues, challenges, and opportunities that I face. This involves reflecting on these issues, not just in the privacy of my own thoughts or in consultation with others, but also in prayer with the Lord, seeking His guidance. It also involves listening, being sensitive to His will as He reveals it to me in prayer, in circumstances, and in the words and actions of the people around me.
So my prayer today is for guidance. In other words, lead me not into temptation. Instead lead me on the right way.
What is the Word leading you to pray about today?
To subscribe to Abide Daily Devotion e-mail please click here
Leave a Reply