While there are probably many, let’s glean and consider at least two lessons from today’s scripture reading. The first is the depiction of Saul being anointed by the holy prophet Samuel (vs. 1) and his subsequent heart transformation by the power of the Holy Spirit (vs. 6, 9). Then, God redirected Saul’s life. As New Testament believers, this sounds profoundly familiar. God has anointed us and empowered us with the Holy Spirit who is daily directing us and transforming us into the likeness of Christ to the fulfilling of God’s purposes through us. When God’s people allow Him to conduct the affairs of their life with confidence in His perfect leading, they will never have to fear misdirection. Those who accept His divine orchestration of daily events can step through life believing the Lord’s promised intention to bring good out of every present circumstance and a fruitful eternal conclusion. “And they shall be my people, and I will be their God: and I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear Me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them: and I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from Me. Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and will plant them in this land assuredly with My whole heart and with My whole soul. For thus saith the LORD…so will I bring upon them all the good I have promised them” (Jer. 32:38-42). The second teaching we can draw out of this passage is Saul’s lack of faith when he hid from the purpose he was called to fulfill (vs. 22). He gave in to fear rather than faith. Knowing God’s will involves not only a head knowledge, but a heart trust as well. It is evidenced by ready obedience. This living faith and loving compliance will lead to wisdom, peace and a life of true blessedness. This is the life that all men may desire at heart, but most fail to seek, and even fewer find.

Challenge: Steadfastly trust the Lord’s involvement in every detail of your life for good. Reverence Him, love Him, follow Him, obey Him and rest with Him. Everything in this day will look infinitely brighter, more secure and blessed if you concede to Christ’s leading at every turn. He will not force you, but He waits for your yielding so that He may impart His amazing grace and bless you with an unparalleled life of fellowship and fruitfulness with Him.

Prayer: I concede, Father that I greatly need daily direction and grace to confidently and boldly walk in Your ways. I recount the words of Isaiah when he said, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD” (Isa. 55:8). Turn my trust entirely toward the surety of Your Word and a good outcome orchestrated by a Good Father. I willingly surrender my heart and will in obedience to Your Word. Through Christ I pray it. Amen.

God’s blessings on your day!